Trump unlikely to welcome Putin–Xi joint statement
Photo: Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping (Getty Images)
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin signed a declaration on a multipolar world order. They also criticized US President Donald Trump's Golden Dome project, according to Reuters.
Putin and Xi oppose Trump's plan
Following bilateral talks in Beijing on Wednesday, May 20, a 9,935-word joint statement was signed, addressing issues of nuclear security and Taiwan, as well as a shorter joint declaration.
In total, during Putin’s visit to China, the parties signed about two dozen agreements in areas such as the economy and trade, education, science, and technology. However, no major agreements were concluded between Russia and China.
In the joint declaration, Russia and China stated that attempts by some countries to dominate world affairs in the spirit of the colonial era have failed, but the world is under threat of a return to the so-called law of the jungle.
Putin and Xi stated that Trump’s plans for the Iron Dome missile defense system threaten strategic stability, and that Washington has acted irresponsibly by failing to work on a replacement for the landmark nuclear treaty.
No breakthrough on gas pipeline
The anticipated announcement regarding the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline did not materialize. The Kremlin confirmed only a general agreement; prices and the construction schedule, key details of the project, have yet to be finalized.
Negotiations on the pipeline, which was supposed to supply Russian gas to China via Mongolia, have been ongoing for years.
Putin's visit to China
On May 20, Xi Jinping solemnly received Putin in the Great Hall of the People, the same venue where he had welcomed US President Donald Trump just a few days earlier.
Putin tried to curry favor with his host by using a local saying: "One day apart feels like three autumns."
During the meeting, Xi Jinping commented on the war in Iran, calling for its swift conclusion to reduce disruptions in energy supplies.
The Chinese leader also stated that the international situation was unstable and turbulent.
For more details on the Kremlin leader’s visit to China, read the RBC-Ukraine's report.
