China e Rússia afinam aliança: resistir aos ataques do Ocidente.
A commentary in the Beijing Youth Daily points out that Mr Putin's planned arrival has caused "anxiety" in the West, prompting speculation that Beijing and Moscow will be forming an alliance to confront the US and the EU. "This 'imaginative alliance' does not suit the diplomatic strategy of China's new leaders… Beijing will only be an active participant in international order and it is a responsible and peaceful country," says the article. It adds that Mr Putin might discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine with Mr Xi, but it will not be the main focus of the meeting.
"Bilateral agreements on natural gas will be an urgent concern for Moscow and it is beneficial for Beijing's long-term economic growth. China's energy market is very valuable to Russia because it is facing economic sanctions from the West," it says. Terming the "alliance to confront the West" as "an outdated Cold War mentality", the People's Daily calls for stronger unity among Asian countries. "All countries in Asia have realised the urgency and importance of security co-operation. They are voicing out that Asian countries should strengthen such co-operation and be in the lead to deal with regional affairs," it says. Meanwhile, the Chinese navy states that the joint exercise with Russia is "not targeting any third party". The China Youth Daily adds the bilateral exercise will "improve military strategic partnership" and will "promote peace and stability in the region".
