Fox News
Footage of a Chinese pilot flies a jet just 10-feet away from a U.S. Airforce RC-135 plane on Dec. 21. (Credit: Department of Defense)
Russia and China have committed to strengthening ties between the two countries despite Moscow’s failure to quickly and effectively end its invasion of Ukraine, which may strain Beijing in the coming months.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met via public video conference Friday to discuss the bilateral relationship that has blossomed this year, with no direct mention of Ukraine in their remarks. The meeting focused on the progress both nations have made despite “geopolitical tensions” and a “difficult international situation.”
Putin specifically highlighted a desire to increase the military collaboration between the two countries, saying that it had a “special place” in the relationship. China and Russia completed joint navy drills this week, including procedures and plans for how to capture enemy vessels.
Xi tried to raise concerns over Ukraine, which he referred to as a “crisis,” marking a departure from previous remarks that referred to the invasion as a “situation.”
“Xi Jinping emphasized that China has noted that Russia has never refused to resolve the conflict through diplomatic negotiations, for which it (China) expresses its appreciation,” CCTV reported.
China promised a “no limits” friendship with Russia and refused to criticize Putin or his invasion of Ukraine, instead blamed the West for “provoking” Moscow, and Russia has in turn supported China amid rising tensions over Taiwan.
However, China expert Craig Singleton of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said that the partnership would not provide the kind of “cure-all” each side wanted for their troubles with the U.S. and Europe.
