The upcoming meeting between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping is expected to be significant, as both sides will bring their wish lists to the table. This meeting comes amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which adds a shadow of tension to the proceedings. Both leaders have various issues they hope to address and discuss during their talks.
According to sources, the meeting will focus on key areas such as bilateral trade and economic cooperation, regional security, and the ongoing Ukraine war. There is particular interest in how Russia and China can support each other in the face of international pressure and geopolitical challenges. It is also expected that discussions will touch on cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization .
Though Russian President Vladimir Putin is rumored to be the “special guest” at the upcoming 10th anniversary celebration of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, experts believe that their discussions will go beyond the surface level. Elizabeth Wishnick, an expert from Virginia-based Centre for Naval Analyses, suggests that alongside seeking additional support from Beijing, Putin may also have questions for Xi Jinping.
The topics of interest may include seeking answers about the coup attempt by the Wagner Group and clarification on the events surrounding North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to Vladivostok last month. Putin likely wants to discuss these matters with Xi Jinping to gain a better understanding of the situations and potentially collaborate on finding solutions.
A senior official at the US White House recently made an announcement regarding North Korea’s transfer of more than 1,000 containers of ammunition and military equipment to Russia. The White House released a document on the 13th, which included satellite images showing an example of a container shipment from North Korea to Russia. This particular shipment occurred between the 7th of the previous month and the 1st of this month. Approximately 300 containers were discovered in a town in northeastern North Korea and then transported to Russia. From there, they were transported by rail to a Russian military ammunition depot located about 280 km from the border with Ukraine.
Strategic Public Relations Coordinator Kirby strongly criticized North Korea, stating that the transfer of more than 1,000 containers of ammunition and military equipment from North Korea to Russia in recent weeks has been detrimental to Ukraine. He accused North Korea of aiding Russia in its war efforts and causing harm to Ukrainians. Kirby also expressed concern about the mutual support between Russia and North Korea, suggesting that it could escalate the situation further.
