Speaking at a high-level summit in Uzbekistan, Mr Putin unexpectedly admitted potential disharmony with Xi Jinping in his first face-to-face meeting with the Chinese leader since the Russian invasion in February. “We highly appreciate the balanced position of our Chinese friends regarding the crisis in Ukraine,” the Russian president told Xi in their first meeting since the start of the war. “We understand your questions and concern about this. During today’s meeting, of course we will explain our position.” Xi did not mention Ukraine in his public remarks, but Beijing’s support for the invasion is seen as necessary for Moscow in the face of Western sanctions and Russia’s need for markets for its energy exports and imports of high-tech goods. The last time the two men met, they signed a “borderless” friendship agreement between their two countries. Three weeks later, Russia invaded Ukraine. Since then, China has taken a cautious line, criticizing Western sanctions against Russia, but has not stopped supporting or assisting the military campaign. The apparent friction comes after a week of the fastest Ukrainian gains since the first weeks of the war. Putin has yet to publicly comment on the setback his forces have suffered since last week’s rapid advance of Ukrainian troops to the front lines. Russian troops have hastily abandoned dozens of tanks and other armored vehicles. Kyiv says it has recaptured more than 3,000 square miles this month. Putin and Xi are attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Uzbekistan, a group of mostly authoritarian states seen by some as a growing rival to the Western power bloc. Putin told the Chinese president that Moscow supports Beijing’s “One China” policy, opposes the United States’ “provocations” in the Taiwan Strait and said Russia appreciates China’s “balanced position” in Ukraine. Putin told the Chinese president that Moscow supports Beijing’s “One China” policy. (SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images) It is Xi’s first trip outside China since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Putin weighed in on Beijing and referred to China’s insistence that other countries do not recognize Taiwan. “We intend to firmly adhere to the ‘One China’ principle,” Putin said. He added that Russia “condemns the provocations of the United States and its satellites in the Taiwan Strait.” The United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. China has never ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control. “In the face of changes in the world, in our time and in history, China is willing to work with Russia to play a leading role in demonstrating the responsibility of major powers and instill stability and positive energy in a world of turmoil. Xi told Putin. China conducted blockade-style military drills around Taiwan after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island last month. Taiwan categorically rejects China’s claims of sovereignty.
