China Premier Li Qiang Visits Russia Amidst West Criticism And Ukraine Conflict

High-Level Talks in Moscow

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is embarking on a four-day trip to Russia and Belarus, with significant meetings scheduled in Moscow. Li, China’s second-highest official under Xi Jinping, will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and hold discussions with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, as reported by the Russian state news agency Tass.

 

Premier’s Arrival and Statements

Upon his arrival at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on Tuesday, Li was welcomed by Russian officials and an honor guard. In a statement, he praised the robust state of China-Russia relations, highlighting strong mutual political trust, extensive cooperation, and effective international coordination. Li emphasized that the visit aims to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.

 

Context of the Visit

Li’s visit comes amid heightened tensions following a recent Ukrainian military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, marking the first foreign troop entry into Russian territory since World War II. This development occurs as Russia continues to face pressure to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.

 

China’s Stance on the Ukraine Conflict

China has been under Western scrutiny for its ties with Russia, particularly regarding the export of dual-use goods that could support Russia’s war effort. Despite this, China has maintained a stance of neutrality and called for a political resolution to the crisis, while deepening its cooperation with Moscow.

 

Economic and Diplomatic Engagement

The visit includes an annual meeting between Li and Mishustin, part of a longstanding tradition since 1996 aimed at advancing practical cooperation in line with directives from Xi and Putin. China and Russia have seen record trade levels, with trade surpassing $240 billion last year. However, growth has slowed slightly in 2024.

 

Final Leg of the Trip

Li’s visit will conclude in Belarus, where he is scheduled to meet Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko. The talks will focus on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring cooperation across various sectors, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.