As the two countries come closer together in the face of Western pressure, China has joined Russia in opposing further NATO expansion.
During Russia’s Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing for the Winter Olympics, the two countries published a joint statement demonstrating their agreement on a number of issues.
Mr Putin alleges that the NATO defence alliance is being used by Western nations to weaken Russia.
It comes amid rising tensions over Ukraine, which Putin claims he has no intention of invading.
Approximately 100,000 Russian troops remain on the Ukrainian border, a former Soviet republic. Mr Putin has asked that Ukraine be prohibited from joining NATO, claiming that Russians and Ukrainians are “one nation.”
The conversations, described as “quite friendly” by the Kremlin, took place before of the Games’ opening ceremony. It was the first time the leaders had met in person since the outbreak began.
“There are no ‘forbidden’ fields of collaboration between [Russia and China], there are no limitations to friendship,” the statement adds.
The two countries expressed “severe worry” about the Aukus security treaty between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Australia will develop nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus programme, which was announced last year as part of measures to improve security in the Asia-Pacific area. It’s mostly perceived as a retaliation against China, which has been accused of inflaming tensions in disputed areas like the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, Russia stated its support for Beijing’s One China policy, which states that Taiwan is a separatist province that will reintegrate with China in the future.
Taiwan, on the other hand, perceives itself as a sovereign nation with its own constitution and democratically elected authorities.
They ate lunch together, talked, and then went to see a major show together.
Vladimir Putin is the major attraction in Beijing for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. More important than the visit itself is the enhanced cooperation and common worldview that Presidents Xi and Putin are eager to demonstrate.
Although Ukraine was not specifically mentioned, it was plainly implied when they both stated that they oppose Nato expansion.
This is a tricky balance for China. Beijing has political and economic ties with Ukraine. Any invasion or military action by Russia might harm President Xi’s reputation.
In the midst of a mounting verbal battle, the US accused Russia on Wednesday of trying to create a phoney Ukrainian strike to justify an invasion.
The US did not give proof to back up its claim that Russia was planning to stage an attack.
Earlier this week, the United States said that it would send extra troops to eastern Europe to support Nato partners. Russia called the move “destructive” and said it confirmed its concerns about Nato’s eastward expansion.
