Same but different: how Xi and China welcomed Trump and Putin
Choreography of back-to-back visits appeared deliberately mirrored but China made sure the differences were noticed
TL;DR
- China provided similar grand welcomes for both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, but with subtle distinctions favoring Putin.
- Putin's welcome involved a higher-ranking Chinese official, signaling Moscow's status as a trusted partner.
- Both visits resulted in modest outcomes, with few concrete agreements on key disputes.
- Russia's economy is increasingly reliant on China due to sanctions and war pressures.
- The war between the US and Iran created an opportunity for Russia to position itself as a more reliable energy supplier to China.
- There was no specific announcement regarding the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project.
- Xi Jinping benefited from projecting an image of China as a global player capable of engaging with major powers.
- Neither summit addressed breakthroughs on the wars in Ukraine or the US-Iran conflict.
- China has not played a significant role in mediating the war in Ukraine, prioritizing its own economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow.