“Xi Jinping’s very anti-Western discourse, shared by Vladimir Putin, complicates Europeans’ dilemma with China”.

Trepeating oasts, “New Era” And increased cooperation, Xi Jinping’s visit to him ” Dear friend “ Vladimir Putin, in Moscow from March 20 to 22, was closely watched in European capitals. If they have remained cautious amid the staging of Sino-Russian friendship, their discomfort with Beijing’s posture is no less palpable as the war in Ukraine threatens to sink.

More than a year after the start of the Russian invasion, a highly anti-Western speech by the Chinese president, shared by his counterpart in the Kremlin, complicates the dilemma for Europeans regarding China. In fact, as the conflict continues, “benevolent neutrality” Beijing’s support for Moscow is giving way to growing support, much to the confusion of Europeans. So far, they have remained willing to engage in dialogue with China, distancing themselves from the confrontational approach advocated by the United States.

From now on, the “borderless” partnership initiated by Xi and Putin will show the Europeans that China, as Moscow’s closest partner, has a kind of right to check continental security issues. “It is obvious that China supports Russia and shares Russian theses about the origin of the conflict. This is not an agreement of circumstances, but a common diplomatic frontnotes Francois Gaudement, a specialist in China and advisor to the Montaigne Institute. China is now Russia’s godfather. »

At this stage, much to the relief of the Europeans, Beijing would at least exercise restraint on the military front. The West’s concern about the possible supply of deadly Chinese weapons to Russia, at its request, is no less real. “The Chinese are the kings of obscurity. The transfer of such weapons would be an unprecedented escalation., notes Sébastien Mayard, director of the Jacques Delors Institute. But there is no indication that such a delivery has taken place, Washington said during the visit.

A potential mediator

On the other hand, by shaking hands with Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping undoubtedly signaled the end of what he calls illusions about China’s diplomatic standing in Beijing. “Ukraine Crisis”, history, like Russia, let’s not talk about the war. In recent months, several European leaders, starting with Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, have been keen to see Beijing as a potential mediator, despite its reticence at UN forums when it came to condemning Moscow.