Russia and China together strive for a multi polar world

On Tuesday, Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, concluded his two-day visit to Beijing. The purpose of his trip was to prepare for the upcoming visit of the Russian President Vladimir Putin to China, which was confirmed by the Kremlin on the same day. During the negotiations, much attention was given to the Ukrainian conflict, and it was agreed that any attempts to resolve the issue without Russia's participation would be futile. They discussed jointly opposing the 'illegal policy of unilateral sanctions' against both countries.
According to an announcement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, Sergei Lavrov intended to hold a 'thorough exchange' of views on several 'hot topics', including the Ukrainian crisis, during his visit to Beijing on April 8-9. Mr. Lavrov's statements at the final press conference on April 9 demonstrated the commonality of approaches between Moscow and Beijing. The Russian minister and his Chinese colleagues concluded that international events are futile as they do not take into account Russia's position and completely ignore it. They promote an empty, ultimatum-like Zelensky peace formula (referring to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky) and are thus divorced from reality.

The Chinese peace plan received opposite assessments. Mr. Lavrov expressed gratitude to the partners for their objective and balanced position, as well as their willingness to play a positive role in the political and diplomatic settlement.

During the negotiations in Beijing, Sergei Lavrov highlighted the joint effort to establish a fair multipolar world order, free from dictatorship, hegemony, and neocolonial or colonial practices. It was evident from subsequent statements that both parties still have work to do to achieve this goal.
During negotiations with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the economic problems caused by unilateral sanctions in great detail. Lavrov commented on the talks and added an optimistic note, stating that Minister Wang Yi had recently coined the phrase 'double counteraction against double deterrence' during closed negotiations on April 8th. Sergei Lavrov did not reveal the specific measures that Moscow and Beijing plan to take to jointly resist the sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies.

While the Russian minister focused on the topic of economic pressure from the West, the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry mentioned the issue of unilateral sanctions only once, without naming the countries responsible. Wang Yi stated that unilateral sanctions violate international law, international order, and hinder the development of the world. He emphasized that China condemns such actions.
Chinese businesses face constant pressure from the United States and the European Union, both of which are strategically important trading partners. These partners have recently announced plans to reduce their dependence on China and have imposed restrictions. Most of these restrictions are related to the United States' desire to limit China's technological development and weaken competition from the world's second-largest economy. However, over the past two years, Beijing has been repeatedly accused of supporting Russia in the Ukrainian conflict, despite China's insistence on neutrality.

During her visit to China, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned of the risks for Beijing if it continues its close cooperation with Moscow, on the same day that Sergei Lavrov arrived in China. During a trip to Guangzhou, she made it clear to China that Russia is being supported through the goods supplied by Chinese firms. She warned that Chinese companies could face significant consequences if they provide material support for Russia's war with Ukraine.

Bloomberg reported that Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently warned US allies that China is providing Russia with satellite imagery of military targets, as well as microelectronics and machines for the production of tanks.
“China is not responsible for the Ukrainian crisis, nor is it involved in it. We have never sought, and will never seek, to benefit from the crisis. At a press conference on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to accusations of exporting dual-use goods by stating that China regulates such exports in accordance with laws and regulations. Mao Ning also called for the preservation of normal relations between China and Russia and the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Simultaneously, while making statements about the illegality of secondary US sanctions, Chinese companies and the financial sector are taking measures to protect themselves from any potential negative consequences. In March, several of China's largest banks ceased accepting payments from Russia in yuan due to the threat of secondary US sanctions. Zhejiang Chouzhou Commercial Bank, the primary bank used by Russian importers, has previously suspended all settlements with Russia.
According to sinologist Vladimir Korsun, Beijing's declarations and actions are inconsistent. Despite this, Beijing still wants to re-establish a full economic and investment partnership with the United States.

The source claims that Xi Jinping's speech, which included calls to continue investing in China, confirms China's intentions. The speech was made before the meeting with representatives of American business in Beijing at the end of March, which was referred to as the 'huge landing from the United States' by the source.
However, the rough patches in Russian-Chinese relations were not discussed publicly during the current meeting of the two ministers. This allowed the parties to evaluate their cooperation, as this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, as 'standard' and the negotiations as fruitful.
During the negotiations, the ministers focused on the schedule of high-level contacts. Sergei Lavrov emphasized that the diplomacy of leaders is a central element of the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction. Before returning home, the Russian minister met with the top leadership of China, including CPP Chairman Xi Jinping, at the Great Hall of the People. He arrived with Wang Yi, with whom he had previously celebrated 'eternal friendship' over champagne. During the meeting, they discussed important matters.

On the same day, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Sergei Lavrov's trip to Beijing was in preparation for upcoming high-level contacts, including Vladimir Putin's visit to China. However, Peskov did not provide a specific date for the visit, calling it premature. It is worth noting that in March, Reuters reported that the Russian leader would visit China in May.