Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin concluded their summit with a show of unity against the “hostile” West.

After a three-day tour of Russia, Chinese President Xi Jinping left Moscow on Wednesday, sacked an honor guard that played the national anthems of both countries.

Both countries have strengthened diplomatic relations and signed an agreement for a gigantic gas pipeline from Siberia to China, icing on the cake of an operation aimed at demonstrating to the West that the alliance between Beijing and Moscow is in excellent health.

The Kremlin was one of the actors who wanted to clarify Russia’s position and denounced on Wednesday the “hostile” reaction of Western countries to Xi Jinping’s visit to the country.

“As far as the countries of the West are concerned, practically in all matters it brings such a reaction a hostile and deeply hostile characterThis was stated by the spokesman of the Russian presidency, Dmitri Peskov, at a press conference.

At the same time, he added that what is important is not the reaction of the West, but “the result of the negotiations” between Xi and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

Peskov assured that the leaders of Russia and China spoke, in particular, about greater energy cooperation. He also denied media reports of Beijing’s reluctance to ramp up Russian gas imports.

The spokesman admitted in turn that the presidents they didn’t talk about the peace formula in Ukraine proposed by the president of that country, Volodimir Zelensky.

“No, the Ukrainian peace plan was not discussed. There was an exchange of views on the clauses of the Chinese peace plan,” Peskov said, clarifying that the “Zelensky plan” is an issue that needs to be addressed by China and Ukraine. .

The beginning of a new era”

United by a desire to counter US global dominance, China and Russia have put their Cold War differences behind them in recent years and have increased their cooperation.

On the second day of meetings in Moscow, Xi assured that relations between the two nations are “entering a new era” and Putin celebrated the “unlimited possibilities and prospects” of their cooperation.

In addition to addressing the Ukrainian conflict, both leaders closed the agreement for the construction of a gigantic gas pipeline which will transport gas from Siberia to northwest China.

Putin said the negotiations are “significant and sincere” and that his country, having lost a large part of its European market, could satisfy the Asian giant’s “growing demand” for energy.

In a joint statement, the two allies expressed concern about the growing strengthening of ties between NATO and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region” and accused the transatlantic alliance of “undermining regional peace and stability”.

The leaders have exchanged cordial gestures since the start of Monday’s meeting, when they described themselves as “dear friend”.

“China is trying recover its international presence after the pandemic”, explained Rafael Bueno, China expert and director of Casa Asia’s Department of Politics, Society and Education, in an interview with Radio France International (RFI).

“He tries to show that he continues to be a determining player in the new international politics. Both, both President Putin and Xi Jinping of course The last thing they want is a world dominated by the United States. and their allies in the West,” he added.

China and Russia often vote together in the United Nations Security Council, using their veto power as permanent members stop the initiatives of Western countries.

The Asian giant has tried to position itself as a neutral player in the Ukrainian conflict, but Washington considers its proposals “delaying tactics” to help and give Moscow more time.

Source: AFP and RFI