Putin Declares Russia-China Relations at Unprecedented Level

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proclaimed that relations between Russia and China have reached an unprecedented level. 

Speaking during a meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin highlighted the significant cooperation between the two nations on regional issues.

Putin expressed his anticipation of Chinese President Xi Jinping's participation in the upcoming BRICS summit, proposing a bilateral meeting during the summit's proceedings. Today, Wednesday, Putin announced that he and his Chinese counterpart had agreed on Xi Jinping’s attendance at the BRICS summit, which will be hosted in Kazan, Russia, this October.

The Russia-China partnership has been growing closer, particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Both nations are aiming to counter what they describe as U.S. dominance in global affairs.

Despite Beijing's assertion of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its refusal to provide military support to Moscow, the U.S. and its allies accuse China of facilitating Russian evasion of Western economic sanctions.

The BRICS summit is also expected to be attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country is a rival to China in Asia.

Founded in 2009, the BRICS group originally included Brazil, China, India, and Russia, with South Africa joining in 2010. Earlier this year, the group expanded to include new members: Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.