Putin Claims Unprecedented High Level of China-Russia Relations, Analysts Note Caution

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that relations between China and Russia have reached an unprecedentedly high level during a meeting in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Analysts suggest that while trade has increased, China's public statements are more cautious than Russia's, with Xi Jinping referring to Putin as an 'old friend' but avoiding overly emotional language. Russia's dependence on China for trade, energy, and diplomatic support has grown due to Western sanctions and the Ukraine war.