An analyst says that Putin seeks to deepen Russia-China ties by requesting three things from Xi.

• The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in China this week is evidence of the growing strategic relationship between the two countries.
• Putin will visit China for two days from Thursday, invited by Xi, marking his first foreign trip since the start of his fifth term last week.
• According to Max Hess, a fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, it is evident that over the past two years, Putin has sought three specific objectives from China.

The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in China this week is evidence of the strengthening strategic relationship between the two countries.

Putin will visit China for two days from Thursday, invited by Xi, marking his first foreign trip since the start of his fifth term last week.

As the Kremlin deepens its ties with China through increased trade and political support, it aims to further strengthen its "no limits" partnership with Beijing.

According to Max Hess, a fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, it is evident that over the past two years, Putin has sought three specific objectives from China.

Putin seeks a "deal" for the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline and wants further Chinese support for the war in Ukraine, particularly in terms of hardware. Additionally, he wants access to Chinese financial markets and intends to use the "Chinese currency to further Russia's trade," Hess stated.

"He remarked that we've seen little progress on those things, so it's Putin going to China to negotiate."

Mounting pressure

In an interview with state-media Xinhua, Putin stated that Russia-China's economic and trade relations have grown rapidly, showcasing their resilience to external challenges and crises.

He supported China's peace proposal for the Ukraine war and stated that Russia was receptive to dialogue in resolving the conflict.

Over a year ago, Beijing released a 12-point plan for ending the war in Ukraine, but it was not well received by Ukrainian and Western allies due to its vague principles.

Hess stated that Putin intends to remain in Ukraine indefinitely and has no intention of relinquishing his position. Furthermore, Putin is attempting to leverage his advantages both militarily and diplomatically with China.

Washington is also putting pressure on China for its military support of Russia.

On Tuesday, the Biden administration declared new tariff rates on $18 billion worth of Chinese imports, aimed at safeguarding American industries from unjust competition.

Observers say that Beijing has limited alternatives but to draw nearer to Moscow.

According to Ian Bremmer, political scientist and president of the Eurasia Group, Biden's decision to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle exports is a clear message to the Chinese that no matter who gets elected in November, the US is determined to contain them.

"The closer the US and their allies become with the Russians in the long term, the more they will eventually see this."