Putin’s China Yatra

Russia and China are on the same page in the context of the Ukrainian crisis. President Vladimir Putin’s second visit in six months to Beijing is noticeable, and hints at the chemistry he enjoys with his counterpart, Xi Jinping. China’s strategic vision to support the Kremlin’s intervention in Ukraine as it entails checking the encroachment of the West towards Russia cements them in a unique context. At the same time, the understanding acts as a cushion to thwart sanctions on Russia, and keep its supply lines open for the world at large. This is why Putin has a listening ear to lend for Xi as he silently advocates finding a negotiated settlement of the Russo-Ukrainian war, and that too in a bilateral premise.

China’s 12-point policy on addressing the Ukrainian imbroglio is a source of strength to Russia. Its salient features are respecting the sovereignty of all countries, reducing strategic risks, keeping nuclear power plants safe and industrial and supply chains stable, and last but not least promoting post-conflict situations. This grants Russia enough space to intermingle with Ukraine even when it is in a state of war with it, and provides a window of opportunity too for Kiev to strike a consensus on intricate issues. Perhaps that is why Putin, in an interview with Chinese media, hailed Beijing’s ‘genuine desire’ to help resolve the Ukraine crisis, and sought a renewed master-plan on pushing back the West’s hegemonic designs in the heartland of Europe.

The China-Russia connection has snowballed into a pole of influence and has been able to grope Central Asia, Iran and Turkey into a new multilateral reality. Kick-starting a new initiative of talking it out with Kiev is indispensable. While being an advocate of addressing conflicts in a non-combat manner, Xi should move to make up Putin’s mind for serenity. Irrespective of the fact that Moscow has almost brought Kiev on terms, and has outclassed the Ukrainians on the battlefield, peace can only be won over the table. Putin must entrust China to broker a deal for it.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2024.

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