Chinese President Xi Jinping Visits Moscow for Strategic Talks with Putin
High-stakes summit addresses conflict mediation as China positions itself as potential peacemaker while maintaining strategic partnership
Major Powers Summit Amid Ongoing Military Operations
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on March 20, 2023, for a three-day state visit with President Putin, presenting China’s position on the Ukraine conflict while strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Key Facts
- Visit duration: March 20-22, 2023
- Agenda: Ukraine conflict, bilateral relations, economic cooperation
- Context: First visit since conflict began
- Outcome: Joint statements on multipolarity
Chinese Peace Position
Xi presented China’s stance including:
- 12-point position paper on political settlement
- Emphasis on sovereignty and territorial integrity
- Opposition to unilateral sanctions
- Call for direct dialogue between parties
Strategic Partnership Elements
The leaders discussed:
- Energy cooperation expansion
- Trade in national currencies
- Military-technical cooperation
- Coordination in international forums
Ukraine Conflict Discussion
Summit addressed:
- China’s role as potential mediator
- Humanitarian concerns
- Nuclear safety issues
- Economic impact on global stability
Western Response
NATO countries expressed:
- Skepticism about Chinese neutrality
- Concerns over military support possibilities
- Calls for China to pressure Russia
- Warnings about sanctions circumvention
Economic Agreements
New deals announced:
- Increased gas pipeline capacity
- Yuan-ruble trade expansion
- Technology cooperation projects
- Agricultural product exchanges
Russian Perspective
Putin emphasized:
- Appreciation for Chinese balanced position
- Readiness for negotiations on Russian terms
- Criticism of Western arms supplies
- Commitment to strategic partnership
Chinese Diplomatic Balancing
Beijing maintained:
- Formal neutrality on conflict
- Economic ties with both sides
- Opposition to NATO expansion
- Support for multilateral solutions
Global South Reception
Developing nations viewed:
- China as alternative to Western approach
- Potential for negotiated settlement
- Economic stability priorities
- Non-alignment possibilities
Summit Outcomes
Joint statement included:
- Commitment to “no limits” partnership
- Support for multipolar world order
- Opposition to “hegemonic” practices
- Economic cooperation deepening
Ukrainian Reaction
Kyiv responded with:
- Cautious welcome of Chinese involvement
- Insistence on territorial integrity
- Concern over Russia-China alignment
- Invitation for Xi to visit Ukraine
Long-term Implications
The summit demonstrated:
- China’s growing diplomatic role
- Limits of Western isolation attempts
- Alternative global power alignments
- Complexity of conflict resolution
Xi’s Moscow visit highlighted China’s delicate position between maintaining strategic partnership with Russia while positioning itself as a responsible global power capable of contributing to conflict resolution.