Thread by @DionisCenusa

#Russia_China: When Putin spoke with Jinping today, he meant to show the following: 1) Russia is not "isolated"; 2) It is treated with “respect” by big powers; 3) Western economic ties can be replaced with non-Western partnerships; 4) Finally, Russia's strategic goal is to⤵️

accelerate the creation of the Eurasian pole in a multipolar order around the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, including as a way to escape responsibility for the aggression against Ukraine. Other aspects seem to be of secondary importance.⤵️

Only Putin mentioned Ukraine while thanking China for being neutral. The growing bilateral trade was emphasized by numbers that almost tell the West that Russia has trading partners. ⤵️

Jinping reiterated China's interest in strengthening cooperation with Russia, confirming that the two countries have strategic communication and coordination in international affairs. He did not say a word about Ukraine, referring only to Taiwan.

I do use the discourse analysis a lot. Contrary to other opinions, I find too much evidence of Chinese political alignment in favor of Russia and vice versa. China may not openly help to circumvent Western sanctions, but its trade helps Russia and allows buying discounted gas.