Chinese leader Xi Jinping is working on shaping the image of a statesman on the world stage, but his "old friend" in Russia, President Vladimir Putin, does not help in the implementation of these plans.

This is stated in a Bloomberg article.  

The authors of the material draw attention to the fact that Xi helped conclude an agreement on the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

After that, the Chinese leader turned his attention to other geopolitical problems for the possibility of growth of the Chinese economy.

It is about the war in Ukraine and the need to reset Sino-American relations.

Recently, Xi paid a three-day visit to Moscow, where he held lengthy talks with Putin.

The article notes that

.

In their joint statement, it was said - "all states possessing nuclear weapons must refrain from deploying nuclear weapons abroad."

However, just a few days later, Putin "abandoned" Xi

 when he announced his intentions to send tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus.

The authors of the material noted that this is the first time after the collapse of the Soviet Union that the Russian Federation will transfer such weapons for storage abroad.

The article notes that such an act by Russia may provoke new tensions in relations with the United States and Ukraine's European allies.

Whether or not Putin is bluffing,

in his efforts to make China a reliable mediator in conflicts.

The publication reminds that the leader of the People's Republic of China did not openly support or criticize the head of the Kremlin for his actions in Ukraine.

But he clearly stated one thing for several months - Russia should not use nuclear weapons in combat.

Putin's posturing with nuclear weapons may make one doubt the power of Xi's influence on him

, even if one takes into account Russia's economic dependence on China and Putin's need for diplomatic supporters.

It was expected that a few days after his visit to Moscow, Xi would contact the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, because the leaders had not spoken since the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation.

However, this conversation has not yet taken place.

The article notes that if the talks do take place,

It will be recalled that on March 24, Putin announced the completion of the construction of a storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus in the summer.

The President of the Russian Federation said that his country can place its nuclear weapons on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, but there is no question of transferring them to Belarus.   

After this statement by Putin, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China emphasized the inadmissibility of a nuclear war under any conditions. They noted that it is impossible to win such a war, so it is necessary to "focus on diplomatic solutions to problems."  

Read also: 

• Putin agreed to all of Xi Jinping's terms, but time is not on his side - an expert

• Jinping is ready to "represent Putin", but in exchange for expansion in the Russian Federation itself: Feigin suggested what lands the Chinese leader wants 

• Putin is placing a "nuclear weapon" in Belarus: the expert assessed the threat to Ukraine and Europe

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