Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Ukraine conflict in a substantial dialogue on June 19. At the same time, only six days ago Israel has widened its attack into Iranian nuclear and political targets. This move further escalates the already high tensions in the region.
As we record this conversation, Putin was at a, an economic forum in St Petersburg. The venue highlighted the urgent need for international conversation and cooperation in the face of deepening geopolitical conflicts. Neither man shied away from describing the challenges of steering a course through the swirling eddies in Middle Eastern waters. Collectively, their countries have tremendous leverage in this important corridor.
In particular, the readouts from both China and Russia offered a glimpse into what took place behind closed doors. Xi and Putin especially focused on the shifting tides in the Middle East. They particularly focused on recent proxy attacks against US facilities in Iraq by Iran. Their conversation took place at an interesting time, demonstrating a strategic alignment between China and Russia. Collectively, they are measuring the effects of international military operations in the area.
The recent Israeli strike has raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, prompting both leaders to consider their countries’ positions in this increasingly volatile landscape. Analysts point out the agricultural chat reveals a much larger agenda for both countries. Finally, they hope to deepen their bilateral ties to jointly support an alternative, multipolar world order.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have been unfettered in deepening their cooperation in a range of domains. This has included deep collaboration in the energy and military sectors. This new round of talks deepens their commitment to each other, even more so as they confront external pressures from the West.