In First Meeting Since Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine, Putin and Xi Jinping Reaffirm Ties

As the Ukrainian counter-offensive continues to push back Moscow forces, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held in Uzbekistan on Thursday. It was the first meeting between the two leaders since Russia launched its invasion earlier this year, and it was the first time Xi Jinping left China since the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Russia and China have deepened geopolitical ties in recent decades, founding the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2001 to counter United States global influence. The prolonged Ukraine War, however, has threatened to strain that relationship, as Beijing walks the line between supporting Moscow and abiding by Western sanctions enacted to punish the Kremlin for the war.

At the meeting, Putin sought to address concerns from China, which is already facing economic turbulence on account of continued COVID-19 lockdowns. Putin voiced support for Beijing’s continued soft-conflict with the island of Taiwan, which the Chinese government classifies as a rogue province and insists must be incorporated into the Chinese system. This comes after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last month, an action that drew sharp criticism from Beijing, who retaliated by conducting military drills in the strait between China and the island.

The meeting between the leaders was covered mildly across the spectrum, with most outlets also noting Iran’s recent announcement that it would join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.