China has denied claims that President Xi Jinping told former U.S. President Donald Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin could face consequences for invading Ukraine during their recent summit. This denial comes as Putin arrives in Beijing for a two-day visit, which marks his 25th trip to the country.
According to reports from the Financial Times, the alleged remarks were made during extensive discussions between U.S. and Chinese delegations in the capital last week. However, the Chinese foreign ministry has strongly refuted these claims, calling them “completely fabricated.” Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated, “The information you mentioned does not match the facts and is completely fabricated out of thin air.”
Later that day, an official X account associated with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the stance, publishing a statement alongside a photo of the headline that read, “Completely false.”
Putin’s visit to Beijing occurs shortly after Trump's high-profile attendance at an event, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. Despite China’s continued military and economic support for Russia, the alleged comment suggests a potential rift between the two nations. Notably, Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 followed just three weeks after Russia signed a “no-limits” partnership agreement with China.
Reports also suggest that Trump proposed a collaboration among Russia, China, and the United States against the International Criminal Court. However, China has dismissed these allegations, with Guo Jiakun reiterating that the claims are unfounded.
Before his arrival, Putin emphasized the strong relationship between China and Russia, stating that both countries are prepared to support each other on issues such as national unity and sovereignty protection. The Kremlin has indicated that one of the key topics of discussion during the visit will be the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline. This project aims to transport an additional 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia’s Arctic gas fields through Mongolia to China.
“During the visit, the two heads of state will exchange views on cooperation across all areas of bilateral relations, as well as on international and regional issues of mutual concern,” Guo Jiakun said during a press conference.
Military analysts have noted that Ukraine may be gaining ground due to its innovative use of drone warfare and increasing fatigue within the Russian military. Domestic pressure on Putin is also mounting, with opinion polls showing a gradual decline in his popularity. Ordinary Russians are facing internet disruptions and a sluggish economy, further complicating the situation.
Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone strikes, making it increasingly difficult for the Kremlin to portray the war as something that does not impact the daily lives of Russian citizens. Over the weekend, Ukrainian forces launched a major aerial attack on the Moscow region, resulting in three deaths, according to Russian authorities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as retribution for the relentless Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and other cities in recent days.
Meanwhile, Trump recently claimed that the end of the war was “getting very close.” However, U.S. efforts to mediate a resolution have stalled since the start of the conflict in Iran, leaving the situation unresolved.
The Independent has always maintained a global perspective, built on a foundation of exceptional international reporting and analysis. It now enjoys a reach that was unimaginable when it first entered the British news industry as a new player. For the first time since the end of the Second World War, and around the world, pluralism, reason, a progressive and humanitarian agenda, and internationalism—values upheld by The Independent—are under threat. Yet, despite these challenges, The Independent continues to grow and thrive.
No comments:
Post a Comment