China's second-highest ranking official journeys to Russia to reinforce relationships, with the Ukraine conflict persisting.
Li, China's second-in-command under leader Xi Jinping, will connect with Russian President Vladimir Putin and engage in discussions about China-Russia collaboration and strategic ties with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, as reported by Russian state-run news agency Tass on Wednesday.
Li expressed appreciation for the relationship between the two countries upon his arrival at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport on Tuesday, greeted by Russian officials and an honor guard.
"China-Russia relationships in the modern era have exhibited renewed vigor and vitality, with enhanced political trust, successful cooperation in various sectors, deeply entrenched friendship, and close, effective international collaboration," Li stated in a press release. He mentioned that the visit aimed to strengthen cooperative efforts.
The premier's trip – for the annual meeting with the Russian prime minister – marks the first high-level Chinese visit to Russia since Ukrainian forces unexpectedly invaded the Russian border region of Kursk two weeks prior.
Russia has been working diligently to repel this intrusion, marking the first time foreign troops have stepped onto Russian soil since World War II and happening amidst mounting pressure for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, which began in 2022 with Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbor.
In response to media inquiries about the situation, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry urged "all parties" to avoid escalating the conflict and expanding the battlefield. China has continued to advocate for a political resolution to the crisis.
China has faced criticism and pressure from the West to restrict exports of dual-use goods, such as aerospace, manufacturing, and technology equipment, to Russia, which Western leaders and Kyiv claim are supporting the Russian war effort.
Chinese officials have tried to position the country as a neutral, peacemaker in the conflict, although their engagement with Kyiv has been limited while deepening relations with Moscow in various sectors.
China hosted a top Ukrainian official for the first time since Russia's invasion almost three years ago earlier this month.
Wednesday's meeting between Li and Mishustin is part of the annual discussions that have taken place since 1996, intended to foster practical cooperation according to Xi and Putin's visions. The two officials are expected to discuss their "comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction," focusing on trade and economy, as reported by Tass.
Trade between China and Russia saw record highs in 2022, surpassing the goal of $240 billion earlier than anticipated. Russia has become heavily dependent on China's market, goods, and investment since the country was hit with wide-ranging international sanctions following the Ukraine invasion.
Trade between the two nations increased by more than a quarter in 2023 compared to 2022 but has only grown by 1.6% between January and July 2023, according to Chinese customs data.
Li's trip is scheduled to conclude in Belarus, where he will meet with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko for a comprehensive conversation about bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors, as announced by China's Foreign Ministry on Monday.
The strategic discussions between Li and Putin highlight the significant China-Russia collaboration, which is vital in the broader context of the world arena.
Given the ongoing global dynamics, China's relationships with major world powers, including Russia, continue to shape international discourse.
