diplomacy
Lavrov sees China as a partner against the West
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (M.) is currently visiting China. photo
© Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service/AP/dpa
China is Russia’s most important ally. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s visit is intended to demonstrate the close partnership between the two neighboring countries. What else does the Russian have on the agenda?
According to Russia’s Foreign Minister, Moscow and Beijing want to meet Sergei Lavrov to stand together against the alleged hegemonic politics of the West.
The idea of a “double response” to the containment policy pursued against both countries came from his colleague Wang Yi, said the Russian chief diplomat on Tuesday at the joint press conference in the Chinese capital. “And more than once our leaders, President (Vladimir) Putin and President Xi Jinping, have emphasized Russia and China’s determination to resist all attempts to slow down the formation of a multipolar world and the long overdue processes of democratization and justice.” That’s exactly what the US and its allies are trying to do, Lavrov claimed.
“Relations between both countries at an all-time high”
The 74-year-old emphasized that relations between the two countries are at an all-time high. He thanked China for its support in the re-election of Kremlin leader Putin and in the fight against terror. This will be continued, he said, referring to the bloody terrorist attack against the Crocus City Hall concert hall near Moscow.
Lavrov has been visiting Beijing since Monday. The list of topics for discussion included the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and the cooperation of both countries in international organizations such as the UN, Brics and G20, as the Russian side announced before the start of the trip. Lavrov and Wang Yi last met in Beijing in October and before that in Moscow in September.
Putin possibly in Beijing in May
According to observers, Lavrov’s meeting in Beijing may also have been in preparation for a visit by Putin, which media reports suggest could take place in May. Heading to China as the first travel destination after his re-election in mid-March would be a clear sign from Putin of the close partnership between the two states. Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the subsequent Western sanctions have noticeably isolated the country internationally.
Beijing is trying to maintain a neutral stance in the conflict. The People’s Republic also tried to find a peace solution. However, Beijing’s peace plan met with criticism in Ukraine. In addition, the USA had sanctioned Chinese companies that were suspected of supplying Russia with goods that could also be used in war, so-called dual-use goods. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen once again threatened consequences during her visit to China, which ended on Monday. China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the allegations: “Relevant countries should not slander or attack the normal relations between China and Russia,” said spokeswoman Mao Ning.