The most important questions (and answers) about Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow

What does Xi Jinping want in Moscow?

Officially, Xi Jinping is on a “peace journey”. He wants to “play a constructive role in peace talks”. In reality, however, Xi’s visit may have very different reasons.

CNN speculates that the Chinese ruler actually wants to demonstrate his growing diplomatic power. For China, Russia is an important partner in the power struggle against the United States and its allies.

Experts expect Xi Jinping to make several proposals to his Russian counterpart to deepen diplomatic and strategic cooperation. After the landing, the Chinese leader said China was ready to work with Russia to ensure international order despite the turbulent period.

What does Putin want?

For Putin, who is currently politically isolated, the Chinese visit is timely. He urgently needs diplomatic alliances – he would have found an extremely powerful one in Xi Jinping. So far, China has remained neutral on the conflict in Ukraine.

Even before the visit, the Russian ruler underlined the good relations that the two countries had established. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have met for the 40th time since the Chinese were elected in 2012.

Will Xi Jinping also go to Ukraine?

As the “Blick” writes, no representative of the Chinese government has been known to visit Ukraine since the beginning of the war. When asked, the Chinese embassy in Bern wrote: “We maintain smooth communication with all relevant parties, including Ukraine, and intend to continue to cooperate with the international community and play a constructive role in the political resolution of the Ukraine crisis.”

However, the Financial Times reported Monday afternoon that Xi Jinping was planning a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

What is China’s position on the war in Ukraine?

Officially, China remains neutral in the conflict, posing as a peacemaker and mediator. But the country is considered a close ally of Russia. China has bought Russian oil in bulk, filling Russia’s war chest. Like the Kremlin, Beijing is not talking about a war, but only about a crisis.

Also, unlike the West, China has not condemned the Russian attack, but merely issued an “appeal” to both sides to make peace. White House national security adviser John Kirby said Monday: “Any Chinese proposal for peace talks is very one-sided and only reflects the Russian perspective.”

Another expert told CNN that neither Moscow nor Kiev seem ready to make the concessions needed for peace talks. China cannot change that.

(cpf)