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FOCUS: Russia-Ukraine War

With His Trip To Moscow, Xi Has Sent A Clear Message To The World

China has adopted a stance of pro-Putin neutrality since the start of Russia's invasion. But this is not an alliance of equals. China has the upper-hand and sees the opportunity to present itself as an alternative world leader.

Photo of ​Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — While Russia is mired in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has become the target of an international arrest warrant, China appeared as a lifeline.

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Xi Jinping’s presence in Moscow from Monday to Wednesday was a bit like the "quiet force" visiting a friend in trouble. They offer him "face," as the Chinese expression for showing respect goes, referring to him as "dear friend"...

But reality sets in very quickly: between the couple, Beijing has the upper hand — and Moscow has no choice.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, China has observed what one diplomat astutely calls a "pro-Putin neutrality", a subtle balance that suits Beijing more than Moscow. Putin could have hoped for more active support, especially in the delivery of arms, technological products, or ways to circumvent Western sanctions. But China is helping Russia sparingly, while making sure to not incur sanctions in turn.


An economic play

Xi Jinping's visit, which ended Wednesday, has confirmed two fundamental elements: the first is that Beijing will not let go of Putin, despite the hopes of some Westerners. Xi Jinping even predicted that Putin would be re-elected next year, and invited him to come to China.

The second element is on the economic front, with the negotiation, apparently well advanced, of the construction of a second gas pipeline between Russia and China, via Mongolia. It will allow the gas that has been boycotted by Europe to be rerouted to China. This is vital for the Russian economy, as China confirms it will use Russia as an energy reservoir on its doorstep.

Photo of \u200bChinese President Xi Jinping's plane at Vnukovo-2 airport in Moscow.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's plane at Vnukovo-2 airport in Moscow.

Petrov Sergey / ZUMA

An alternative world leader

There remains a strong complicity between the two countries, a partnership that’s constantly reinforced, yet still not a formal alliance, which China has rejected. Beijing and Moscow share an anti-Western vision of the world, but not to the point of tying their fate in confrontation with the Western bloc.

Ukraine is the least of Xi's priorities.

Xi Jinping sees far beyond the Ukrainian conflict, which is the least of his priorities. He is aiming for the leadership of the non-Western world, those countries of the Global South that did not want to align themselves with Washington in Ukraine, and want to emancipate themselves from the alliances of the past.

Last week, China surprised the world by organizing in Beijing the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This week, Xi Jinping is developing a soothing, non-interference speech in Moscow, to contrast with America, which he blames for the war in Ukraine.

This rhetoric goes far beyond Ukraine. Moreover, Beijing has taken note of the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Kyiv, which coincided with Xi's visit to Moscow: Asian rivalries can be found in this part of Europe at war.

If there is a lesson to be learned from Xi Jinping's trip to Moscow, it is that far from keeping a low profile in the face of Washington, China is presenting itself as an alternative world leader.

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Ideas

With Italy's Right In Power, A Hard Shift In The Political Lexicon

Redemption, homeland, people, and above all nation: Giorgia Meloni uses these terms to express the idea of a power projected into the future, part of a precise political strategy.

Image of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Ceremony for the 171st Anniversary of the foundation of the State Police, on the Pincio terrace in Rome​

April 12th: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Ceremony for the 171st Anniversary of the foundation of the State Police in Rome

Alessandro Calvi

-Analysis-

ROME — Sometimes the most striking words are the ones that are missing.

In a speech given by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the start of her mandate, for example, the word "femicide" is missing. The word "violence" appears, but only a few times, to denounce political violence. Others words are hoisted as flags by the radical right, now in power in Italy — like “nation,” a beloved word.

“If we are called to govern this nation, we will do it for everyone,” Meloni said after winning the election and becoming the country's first-ever female prime minister. "Nation,” in this sense, recurs about 15 times in her first speech. “Motherland,” on the other hand, comes up just once, in a strongly rhetorical passage addressed to law enforcement officials. The word “state” is mostly used to refer to the organization of the bureaucracy and its relationship with citizens, or in relation to the issue of security.

In Italian, the word “nation” means a collection of people who share common historical traditions, language, culture and origin, and who feel they belong to a community. The word does not necessarily imply that this community is organized into a political structure.

Instead, implicit in the idea of “homeland” (patria) is the bond between a people and the place where they live, as well as a sentimental bond with those who came before them.

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