The White House stated that it’s “no surprise” that Russia and communist China continue to strengthen their strategic partnership after the two countries’ leaders hugged twice in front of cameras on May 17.
“What they have in common is a desire to challenge the international rules-based order, challenge the network of alliances and partnerships that the United States enjoys, [and] try to look for ways to bolster each other’s national security interests,” John Kirby, President Joe Biden’s national security spokesman, told reporters at a May 17 briefing.
“We didn’t see anything coming out of this meeting that we were necessarily surprised by.”
During the meeting with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping, Mr. Putin reaffirmed the “no limit” partnership he declared weeks before sending troops to Ukraine in 2022.
They also issued a 7,000-word joint statement on May 16 in a display of their closeness amid U.S.-led pressure over Russia’s war against Ukraine and China’s aid to Moscow.
After a day of talks in Beijing, Xi, who is not known for displaying warmth with other leaders, initiated a hug with a smile after shaking hands with Mr. Putin, video footage released by China’s state broadcaster CCTV shows.
The Krelimin chief appeared to hesitate for a few seconds then raised his arms and embraced Xi, and the two patted each other on the shoulders. The two leaders shook hands again before Mr. Putin left in his state car.
Asked about the footage, Mr. Kirby brushed off the two leaders’ display of closeness.
“That’s nice for them,” Mr. Kirby said. “[As the two countries] clearly are acting in various ways around the world inimical to our national security interests, [it’s] no surprise that these two leaders continue to try to develop this burgeoning relationship.
“But they’re also two leaders that don’t have a long history of working together. And officials in both governments that aren’t necessarily all that trustful of the other.”
A similar message was delivered by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a talk with the CCP leader and French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this month. Calling the war in Ukraine an existential threat to Europe, Ms. von der Leyen urged Beijing to halt the supply of dual-use goods that end up on the battlefield.
“[China] can’t have its cake and eat it, too,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters, saying the CCP is fueling “the biggest threat to European security in a long time.”
It’s Mr. Putin’s first overseas trip since he commenced a new six-year term as president earlier this month. The move extended Mr. Putin’s 24 years of rule and put him on track to become one of Russia’s longest-serving leaders.