The Impact of Vladimir Putin’s Presence at Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attendance at Chinese President Xi Jinping’s global Belt and Road summit has significant political implications. The summit, which marked the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and celebrated Chinese-Russian solidarity, showcased the close relationship between the two leaders. While Putin’s presence highlighted his increasing isolation in the international community due to diplomatic conflicts and an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, it also underscored China’s support for Russia amidst Western criticism. The summit aimed at promoting collaboration and economic progress also emphasized China and Russia’s shared aspirations for a multipolar world and their opposition to US-led global hegemony. However, the BRI’s success and impact on international development also face scrutiny, with concerns about debt burden, environmental damage, corruption, and wasteful projects. The attendance of leaders from developing countries, including countries from Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America, further highlights the wide-ranging influence and potential ramifications of the BRI on a global scale.