The Kremlin has several goals: ISW explained what is behind the negotiations between Putin and Xi Jinping

Meeting between Putin and Xi Jinping on May 16, 2024/Getty Images

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on May 16. Officially, they made statements about deepening cooperation and signed a new statement, however, the purpose of the visit could be new agreements to support Russia in a protracted war.

By the way, Putin arrived in China with his delegation. Among other representatives of the Russian government was the new Minister of Defense Andrei Belousov.

What is the true purpose of Putin's visit to China

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War note that Putin views relations with China as crucial to his efforts to further mobilize the Russian economy and defense industry in support of a protracted war against Ukraine. It was to reach new agreements on this issue that the Russian president went to a meeting with Xi Jinping.

So, in Beijing, Putin and Xi Jinping signed a number of documents, which was officially reported in MASS MEDIA. Among other things, there are statements about deepening bilateral cooperation, agreements in the field of agriculture and the environment; an agreement on the construction of infrastructure and engineering structures, as well as several media agreements. In addition, both the President of Russia and the leader of China in their official speeches emphasized the importance of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

ISW notes that Putin's delegation also included businessmen, officials and the new Defense Minister Belousov, who are promoting mobilization efforts in Russia. In addition, the new head of the Russian Ministry of Defense should focus on integrating the Russian military economy into the overall Russian economy. At the same time, Shoigu, who received the post of Secretary of the Security Council, has instructions from Putin on the work of the military-industrial complex.

The Chairman of the Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugaev, also went to China , founder of the aluminum company RUSAL Oleg Deripaska, head of Rosneft Igor Sechin and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev.

The Russian delegation likely sought to expand cooperation with its Chinese counterparts, which would contribute to the overall expansion of economic ties between Russia and the PRC, write analysts at the Institute for the Study of War.

ISW also remembered an article by The Economist dated April 29, 2024. It said that Russia is increasingly relying on China to supply dual-use goods for the defense industry, such as semiconductors or navigation equipment. In addition, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on May 1 that Beijing's export of dual-use goods to Moscow helped the aggressor to significantly increase defense production, and only 70% of Russian machine tools and 90% of microelectronics are produced in China.

China has previously signaled concerns that its economic relationship with Russia could put Chinese businesses at risk of secondary sanctions. But Putin may have decided to head off these concerns as the Russian defense industry becomes increasingly dependent on China, analysts suggested.

The Kremlin pretends to be interested in “peace talks”

In addition, according to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War, Putin also used his meeting with Xi Jinping to push the Kremlin's narrative, pretending to be interested in peace negotiations and a diplomatic solution to a full-scale war in Ukraine. In particular, this is evidenced by the signed joint statement that Russia supports the “peace plan” proposed by China. The statement also refers to possible future negotiations to end the war under Beijing's leadership.

The statement also states that both Russia and China oppose any efforts that prolong or intensify war, and that both countries support a “sustainable resolution” of the so-called “crisis in Ukraine.” During a joint press conference with Putin, Xi Jinping said that China and Russia perceive a political settlement as the right way to resolve the situation in Ukraine.

“ISW previously assessed that the Kremlin would continue to use any calls for peace negotiations to feign interest in this, hoping to undermine Western support for Ukraine. Russia also hopes that the West will be able to force Kyiv to begin negotiations with Russia, with the condition that the Ukrainian government would make concessions on sovereignty and territoriality. integrity,” the analysts added.