By The Associated Press
The Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, began a three-day official visit to Russia on Monday, with which he once again expressed China's aspiration to be a key player on the world diplomatic scene and to support Russian President Vladimir Putin, few days after an international war crimes arrest warrant was issued against him for the illegal deportation of children and the illegal transfer of people from Ukraine to the Russian Federation.
China and Russia have described Xi's trip as an opportunity to further deepen their "boundless friendship."
The Asian giant is looking to Russia for a source of oil and gas for its energy-hungry economy and a partner to deal with what both see as US dominance in the world order.
Both countries have also held joint military exercises.
Chinese President Xi Jinping upon arrival in Moscow, Russia, on March 20, 2023. Ilya Pitalev / Sputnik via AP
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that during the gala dinner on Monday, Putin and Xi will address issues related to the war in Ukraine, adding that the Russian president will likely offer "a detailed explanation" of the view the authorities have. Russians about the conflict.
On Tuesday, the two leaders are expected to continue discussing various issues, in meetings that will be joined by officials from both countries on various issues, according to Peskov.
Xi's presence in the Kremlin is a diplomatic triumph for Putin, allowing him to tell Western leaders allied with Ukraine that their efforts to isolate him have not succeeded.
[Putin visits Crimea on the ninth anniversary of its annexation to Russia after the arrest warrant against him]
In an article published in China's People's Daily, Putin described Xi's visit as "a historic event" that "reaffirms the special nature of the Russia-China partnership."
The Russian president also specifically mentioned that the meeting sent a message to the United States that both countries are not willing to accept attempts to weaken them.
"The US policy of simultaneously deterring Russia and China, as well as all those who do not bow to the US dictate, is becoming more and more fierce and aggressive," Putin said.