Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The meeting between the two powerful leaders has caught America’s attention.
This could reinforce Putin’s image, says former U.S. ambassador to China Gary Locke. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some trade agreements, some sales that are announced that China commits to buying more oil and gas from Russia, providing income to the Russian government to continue the war against Ukraine.”
This is the first visit that the Chinese president has paid to the Kremlin since the start of the invasion of Ukraine. China claims this trip is a “journey of peace” and highlights Putin’s government accomplishments. “Russia’s development has significantly improved under your leadership,” President Xi told Putin.
However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that he doesn’t believe the purpose of this encounter is the search for peace. The trip comes at a time when the International Court of Justice has issued an arrest warrant for Putin and the U.S. has announced another $350 million in security assistance for Ukraine.
