Putin arrives in China for talks with 'dear friend' Xi Jinping

Russian President Vladimir Putin has landed in Beijing, with plans to engage in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Putin affectionately refers to as a "dear friend".

Russia's President Vladimir Putin arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China, 17 October 2023.

Photo: EPA/Parker Song/POOL

Their talks come as representatives from 130 countries converge in China for a forum centered on the Belt and Road infrastructure project.

Despite the international spotlight on Putin due to charges by the International Criminal Court in The Hague over war crimes in Ukraine, experts anticipate that the discussions between the two leaders will be more symbolic than substantive. They believe the visit aims to highlight Moscow's endorsement of Beijing.

Ahead of the visit, Putin emphasized his close relationship with Xi, stating, "President Xi Jinping calls me his friend and I call him mine," as cited by the Kremlin.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is expected to be the sole EU leader in attendance at the Beijing forum. Hungarian officials frequently engage with Russian and Belarusian counterparts. Most notably, Hungarian Foreign Ministry head Peter Szijjarto recently visited Moscow and has met with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on several occasions, prompting Western nations to consider similar engagements.

(jh)

Source: PAP, IAR, RMF24