President Vladimir Putin of Russia, right, meets with Zhang Youxia, vice chair of China’s Central Military Commission, at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on December 7, 2017. Zhang conveyed “China’s respect” for Putin’s resilience at their meeting in Moscow on November 8, 2023, according to a readout by the Kremlin.
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In a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zhang Youxia, a high-ranking Chinese military official, commended Putin for his steadfast approach to Western sanctions. Zhang, the second-ranking official on China’s Central Military Commission, expressed China’s admiration for Putin’s leadership in navigating various challenges. The Kremlin’s transcript of the meeting went unnoticed in Chinese media, highlighting a potential difference in public opinion. Despite accusations of providing political cover for Putin, China has not supplied arms to Moscow, facing sanctions from the U.S. and its allies. The upcoming meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden is anticipated to address ongoing tensions and conflicts between the two nations.
