Putin and Xi Discuss Iran and Prepare for an Important Meeting in China: Details and Prospects
The successful dialogue between the Russian and Chinese leadership has proven to be a crucial element of the foreign policy maneuvers of the world’s two largest powers ahead of the upcoming summit in Beijing. Vladimir Putin, considering current international challenges and the escalation of the Middle East situation, had a phone conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. According to the Kremlin press service, the discussion focused on Iranian issues and the possibility of a personal meeting between the leaders in China, scheduled for late August – early September. According to Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president, during the conversation, Putin and Xi exchanged views on regional developments and confirmed their solidarity in condemning Israel's actions, which violate international law and UN statutes. "Both sides agreed that the resolution of the crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear program must be carried out exclusively through political and diplomatic means, rejecting forceful methods," Ushakov noted. One of the important aspects of the negotiations was the information about the regional situation and the role of Russia and China in possible mediating efforts. Putin informed Xi about his recent diplomatic contacts, including phone talks with key partners regarding the Israel-Iran confrontation. The Russian leader assured that Moscow is ready to participate in diplomatic initiatives if needed, and that the countries will continue working towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Regarding bilateral relations, the sides also addressed cooperation between Russia and China in political, economic, and defense spheres. According to the RIA Novosti news agency, Putin and Xi Jinping agreed to meet at the end of August or the beginning of September, specifically between August 31 and September 3. Later, information appeared that the main meeting of the two leaders is scheduled for September 2 in Beijing, where comprehensive negotiations will take place to determine the further direction of collaboration between the two countries. The background of this diplomatic activity stems from global political dynamics. Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Putin proposed to play a mediating role in resolving the brilliant conflict in the Middle East that challenges the international community. However, at that time, Trump advised his Russian counterpart to focus first on resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This underscores both the importance of the balance of power in the region and strategic attention to diplomatic channels in contemporary geopolitics. It is evident that at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, a tense period of active consultations and negotiations between the two major powers is expected, as they seek to solidify their influence in the region and develop a joint approach to pressing global challenges. The increasingly evident alliance between Russia and China indicates intentions to counter Western pressure and to expand cooperation in security, political, and economic spheres. The ongoing dialogue process between Putin and Xi, to be continued in the coming weeks, demonstrates a new level of international interaction and the willingness of both countries to act jointly in addressing the most complex crisis situations. During the upcoming meeting in China, political leaders will undoubtedly discuss Iran and other aspects of global security in detail, making this dialogue one of the key steps in shaping a new international architecture.