The Hopes of the EU and the US Have Been Dashed: 3 Main Outcomes of the Meeting Between Putin and Xi 0 21

On Wednesday, the world's media attention was focused on Beijing: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at the majestic Great Hall of the People to sign a new pact of "cooperation" with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

The Kremlin rejected claims of any connection between the Russian leader's visit and US President Donald Trump's trip just a few days earlier. However, the timing certainly raised many questions, especially in Europe, where concerns are growing about being sidelined in global politics.

Here’s the main takeaway of what Putin's trip to China means for Europe.

"Unwavering" Ties

If Europe and the US hoped that Beijing could soon be persuaded to reduce its support for Russia, this trip is unlikely to have encouraged them.

China has been providing Russia with economic, military-technical, and diplomatic support since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and this assistance has become critically important, allowing Putin to continue the war despite rising casualties in personnel and equipment and rapidly increasing costs.

The US and Europe hoped that by depriving Russia of Chinese support, they could turn the tide of the war.

On Wednesday, however, those hopes were almost definitively dashed: Putin and Xi signed a new joint statement on cooperation and proclaimed their "unwavering" bonds.

The document, aimed at deepening "good neighborliness and friendly cooperation," also includes an agreement to enhance interaction between the armed forces of the two countries.

Outwardly, Beijing generally tries to maintain neutrality on the Ukrainian issue, but it appears to be interested in the outcome of the war and would ultimately like to see its strategic ally victorious.

For Putin, this is yet another warm welcome in China, where Xi greeted him as a "dear friend."

The Russian president arrived in China on Tuesday night; he was met by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and an honor guard, as well as youth holding Chinese and Russian flags, chanting: "Welcome, welcome, warmly welcome!"

Calls to End the Conflict in the Middle East

Additionally, the situation in Iran and its implications for global energy markets were discussed, which have surged after Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Trump's military operation in the country.

During the talks on Wednesday, Xi told Putin that it is necessary to avoid further hostilities and urged for continued negotiations for a peaceful settlement.

Ending the conflict would help alleviate disruptions in energy markets and supply chains, Xi noted, according to the state agency Xinhua.

"I have put forward four proposals to ensure and strengthen peace and stability in the Middle East, to expand international consensus, promote de-escalation, end hostilities, and advance the peace process," he added.

On Wednesday, oil prices slightly decreased after reports that several tankers were passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but they remain at elevated levels.

Earlier this week, Trump stated that he had instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to cancel a planned attack on Iran but ordered to be ready to "launch a full-scale strike on Iran" if a "acceptable" peace agreement could not be reached.

Major Pipeline: No Final Details

The European Union is also seeking to isolate Moscow by imposing sanctions aimed at hitting Russia's energy, financial, technological, and export sectors; however, China continues to provide it with a market as a major trading partner, allowing Moscow to compensate for a significant portion of lost European sales, primarily of gas.

Beijing, for its part, seeks to diversify energy supply sources, keep prices in check, and avoid dependence on strategic maritime "choke points."

One of the key yet unfinished deals remains the "Power of Siberia 2" gas pipeline project—a 2,600-kilometer trunk line that, once completed, could supply up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas to China annually, providing the Kremlin with a vital source of income.

On Wednesday, Putin and Xi concluded their talks without revealing details of the agreements on the project, but it is believed that the parties have already reached a general agreement.