Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a visit that highlights China’s support for Moscow during the conflict in Ukraine and Russian backing for China’s efforts to expand its economic and diplomatic influence globally.

The two nations have formed an informal alliance against the United States and other democratic countries, although this alliance is currently complicated by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

China has been striving to balance its relations with Israel, which are essential, against its ties with Iran and Syria, both of which receive strong support from Russia.

These relationships are driven by economic interests as well as the desire to challenge Washington’s influence in the Middle East, the Associated Press reported.

Upon his arrival, Putin was greeted by an honor guard, marking the beginning of his visit, which is also a display of support for Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s signature “Belt and Road” initiative.

This initiative aims to construct infrastructure and expand China’s overseas influence.

Putin’s presence at the gathering is notable as it commemorates the 10th anniversary of Xi’s announcement of the Belt and Road project, which has left countries such as Zambia and Sri Lanka burdened with heavy debt from contracts with Chinese companies for the construction of infrastructure projects they might not otherwise afford.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has commended this Chinese policy for bringing development to underserved regions, as reported by the AP.

Furthermore, the gathering offers Putin the chance to meet with other global leaders who have criticized the Western approach to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.

Written by staff