Russian President Putin arrived in Beijing in a hurry on the early morning of May 16th to meet with Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping. Putin, looking tired and often wearing a frown, may not have achieved the expected results from his visit, aside from the fatigue of a long journey. The statements from both sides likely disappointed Putin, as the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) did not seem to be a joyous occasion, revealing the true nature of their relationship.
In the afternoon of May 16th, Putin and Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the “China-Russia Cultural Year” and the concert celebrating the 75th anniversary of China-Russia (Soviet) diplomatic relations, delivering speeches.
In 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation inherited the Soviet Union’s diplomatic relations with China, marking only 33 years of actual relations between Russia and China. On the other hand, China established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in 1949, now marking 75 years of diplomatic ties. This should have been a highlight of Putin’s visit to China; however, during the supposedly festive ceremony, Putin’s face showed no joy or smiles. He seemed disinterested in the performances, with his gaze not fixed on the stage like others, appearing lost in thought.
While the audience applauded the performers, Putin had to join in reluctantly, attempting to force a smile that seemed more like a grimace.
The other members of the Russian delegation behind Putin also had stiff expressions, some even seemed to look at him coldly. Among the majority of Chinese faces in the audience, Xi Jinping made an effort to smile, while others clapped along but lacked genuine smiles.
The expressions of both sides likely revealed significant truths, indicating that the previous talks may not have met Russia’s expectations. The Communist Party of China may have been cautious due to warnings from the United States and the West, potentially refusing Moscow’s requests for more assistance and dealing with their own economic challenges and internal political turmoil.
The supposedly relaxed celebration of the 75th anniversary of China-Russia (Soviet) diplomatic relations instead felt tense. Sitting next to Xi Jinping, Putin unconsciously moved his body away slightly, a subconscious gesture that might reflect the true relationship between Putin and Xi Jinping.
As Putin’s diplomatic options are limited and the Chinese Communist Party leader is increasingly isolated, their meeting may have been a showcase for internal propaganda. Xinhua News Agency and the homepage of the People’s Daily website both displayed a photo of Xi Jinping welcoming Putin, but their expressions were serious, lacking warmth.
On May 16th, in the morning, Putin and Xi Jinping began with a small-scale meeting followed by a larger meeting. The Kremlin issued Putin’s opening remarks before the large-scale meeting, stating that they engaged in a constructive and substantive dialogue on key areas of cooperation during the restricted talks.
The “key areas” of cooperation mentioned by Putin likely indicated his desire for more direct military support from China. However, his diplomatic rhetoric suggested that his hopes may have been dashed, and both sides only engaged in a “dialogue.”
After the large-scale meeting, the joint statement from both sides was vague. Regarding the crucial stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the statement only proclaimed the need to stop actions that would delay the conflict and escalate further, emphasizing dialogue as the path to resolving the Ukraine crisis while considering each country’s legitimate security interests and concerns.
The Chinese Communist Party continued to be ambiguous, even showing a degree of withdrawal from supporting Russia compared to previous stances, likely due to concerns about US and European sanctions. Putin’s visit to Beijing probably did not secure promises of increased military assistance from China or obtain open political support from Beijing, as reflected in Putin’s expressions.
During the large-scale meeting between Putin and Xi Jinping, a particular photo of Putin stood out, showing him with a stern expression, especially in his gaze, suggesting his dissatisfaction with the meeting.
Late into the night of May 16th, Putin and Xi Jinping held another small-scale meeting at Zhongnanhai. Despite meeting with reporters, issuing a joint statement, they engaged in another small-scale discussion. Putin might have been reluctant, seeking to achieve more. Xinhua News Agency stated that both sides “exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis in depth,” repeating previous rhetoric before bidding farewell. Ultimately, Putin likely did not achieve what he desired.
The Chinese Communist Party attempted to promote the 75 years since establishing diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in 1949. However, China’s interactions with the Soviet Union extend beyond 75 years.
In March 1917, the Russian Revolution erupted, toppling the royal family, and the Republic of China recognized the then Russian Provisional Government. In November 1917, the Bolshevik Party led by Lenin (the Communist Party) overthrew the Provisional Government, declaring the Soviet Russia, but the Republic of China refused to recognize it.
In 1920, Soviet-controlled Comintern representatives arrived in China. In 1921, Comintern representative Maring chaired the first congress of the Chinese Communist Party, establishing its branch in China. The Soviet Union also engaged in negotiations with the Beiyang government and Sun Yat-sen. In 1924, the USSR and China signed the “Outline Agreement on the Solution of Outstanding Issues,” formally establishing diplomatic relations.
In 1927, with Soviet support, the CCP launched the “Guangzhou Incident,” leading the Nationalist government in Nanjing to sever ties with the Soviets while the Beiyang government remained. In 1929, conflicts erupted between China and the Soviet Union over control of the Northeast Railway, known as the “Sino-Soviet conflict,” leading to the Soviet Union cutting ties with the Nationalist government in Nanjing; the CCP claimed to defend the USSR.
In 1931, with Soviet support, the CCP established the Chinese Soviet Republic in Jiangxi. In 1932, Japan established Manchukuo in the Northeast, a move recognized by the Soviet Union. In the same year, the Republic of China restored diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union.
In 1937, the “Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact” was signed, with the Soviet Union aiding China against Japan and sending volunteer air force units to fight the Japanese. In 1941, the Soviet Union signed the “Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact” with Japan, recognizing Japanese control of Manchukuo, while Japan acknowledged Mongolian independence under Soviet control, and the Soviets stopped aiding China.
In 1945, the “Sino-Soviet Friendship Alliance Treaty” was signed, with Soviet forces entering Northeast China to fight the Japanese Kwantung Army. However, they looted industrial facilities and resources in the region, committing atrocities such as arson, killings, looting, and rape.
Following the victory in the Anti-Japanese War in 1945, the Soviet Union fully supported the CCP in launching a civil war, even suggesting the division of power between the CCP and the Nationalist government. After the CCP seized power in 1949, it aligned completely with the Soviet Union.
In 1950, at the request of the Soviet Union, the CCP engaged in a proxy war on the Korean Peninsula, fighting against the United Nations forces and opposing the entire Western bloc and its allies. In the 1960s, China and the Soviet Union fell out completely, leading to military clashes, with the Soviets threatening to use nuclear weapons and target Beijing directly, forcing the top CCP officials to evacuate urgently. In 1971, US President Nixon’s visit to China successfully turned the CCP against the Communist bloc.
In 1989, relations between China and the Soviet Union were normalized, but two years later, the Soviet Union dissolved, with Russia inheriting diplomatic relations with China.
Over 33 years of exchanges between China and Russia, the CCP ceded more than one million square kilometers of land to Russia. Benefiting from globalization, China acquired significant funds and technology from the United States and the West and began to aspire to take on a leadership role over Russia. Following the escalation of tensions between China and the United States, the CCP urgently sought to cultivate Moscow’s support and backed Russia’s aggression in Ukraine to counter the United States and NATO.
The CCP hoped to support Russia but feared US and EU sanctions. War entails massive financial costs, and the US and NATO countries have provided Ukraine with aid exceeding $100 billion. China’s economy has been mismanaged by the CCP and may struggle to provide equivalent assistance to Russia. If the CCP insists on confronting the US and its allies, it could hasten its own demise within the power struggle.
Moscow itself is in a precarious position, challenging to support the CCP against the US and hinder the CCP’s plans to attack Taiwan. With internal unrest in both the Chinese military and political sphere, they now may not dare to engage in war. Both Beijing and Moscow understand they are mutually exploiting each other, not true friends. Thus, what was meant to be a political show of Putin’s visit to China has been downgraded by the CCP’s handling, leaving Putin disappointed.
This evolution in the international landscape of intense rivalry between different blocs is an inevitable outcome of power struggles, depicting yet another reality of the CCP’s path towards decline.