A recent series of high-level diplomatic engagements between Russian and Chinese foreign ministry officials has drawn considerable international attention. Despite officially maintaining a “neutral” stance on the war in Ukraine, Beijing appears to be deepening its diplomatic alignment with the Kremlin.
Following their meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 10, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met again with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on July 12. Lavrov’s visit is part of a broader trip that includes participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting.
During the bilateral meeting on July 12, Wang Yi underscored the strategic significance of Sino-Russian relations, stating:
“China-Russia relations represent the most stable, mature, and strategically significant major-country relationship in the world today, and both sides consistently view and advance cooperation across all domains from a historical, strategic, and long-term perspective.”
According to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the two countries’ current diplomatic priorities include preparing for upcoming high-level exchanges, strengthening comprehensive strategic coordination, and jointly addressing the challenges of an increasingly turbulent and complex global environment.
In this context, Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin will make an official visit to Beijing from August 31 to September 3. During the visit, Putin is expected to attend the SCO Leaders’ Summit and hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Subsequently, on July 13, Lavrov and Wang Yi continued their discussions, focusing on the current dynamics of their respective countries’ relations with the United States and the prospects for ending the war in Ukraine. Both ministers also reaffirmed their intention to enhance coordination within major international forums, including the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and APEC.
These intensified diplomatic efforts between Moscow and Beijing come amid mounting Western pressure on Russia. The European Union is reportedly preparing its 18th package of sanctions against Moscow. Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump has recently intensified his criticism of Russian leadership. Furthermore, reports suggest that Trump is expected to announce a new aid package for Ukraine on July 14.
