RRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Beijing is placing China’s diplomacy under closer scrutiny, as it balances its partnership with Moscow against strained relations with the U.S.
In an interview with Anewz, Anna Evans, a political analyst, said that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s trip to Beijing, alongside fresh signals that President Vladimir Putin may visit China soon, comes at what she called “one of those critical junctures”, when it matters to show that Russia and China “remain very much aligned”, particularly because of the war and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.
Evans argued that China’s energy exposure has sharpened Beijing’s interests, saying “China purchases 90% of Iranian oil”, and that limits on shipping and naval movements through Hormuz make Russian energy supplies “absolutely precious” for China, even if Russia’s own exports do not rely on the strait.
Evans said the relationship, often seen as tilted towards China because of its economic weight, could appear more balanced in the current crisis because Beijing “vitally needs Russia, even more than it needed before, for its energy”, while Moscow relies on China in financial and technological terms.
She further told Anewz that a Putin visit would be about showing the partnership is intact and about practical steps, including investment in pipelines and other infrastructure that can secure energy flows, and access to critical raw materials for technology industries.
On whether China is positioning itself as a broker between rival camps, Evans said this is Beijing’s “usual strategy”, a preference for “silent negotiation” and “a backstage role”, describing China as “very silently a back channel”, rather than a power that seeks the limelight, even when it has clear interests in Russia, Iran, and the wider Middle East crisis.
A renewed wave of U.S. diplomatic activity in the South Caucasus highlights Washington’s growing focus on regional connectivity, trade and security,...
A growing majority of Europeans believe the European Union should pursue a more independent foreign policy and reduce its reliance on the U.S., accord...
India is expected to experience its weakest monsoon in more than a decade in 2026, raising concerns over crop production, food prices and economic gro...
The United States has warned Oman against supporting any effort to impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, saying Washington would penalise any parties ...
The United Nations (UN) added Israel and Russia to a blacklist of parties suspected of committing conflict-related sexual violence on Friday (29 May)....
A renewed wave of U.S. diplomatic activity in the South Caucasus highlights Washington’s growing focus on regional connectivity, trade and security, according to Associate Professor George Mchedlishvili of European University in Tbilisi.
India is expected to experience its weakest monsoon in more than a decade in 2026, raising concerns over crop production, food prices and economic growth as the country also grapples with inflationary pressures linked to the Iran conflict.
The United States has warned Oman against supporting any effort to impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, saying Washington would penalise any parties involved in facilitating such a system.
The United Nations (UN) added Israel and Russia to a blacklist of parties suspected of committing conflict-related sexual violence on Friday (29 May). The move prompted Israel to announce it would sever ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
The trial of a 21-year-old accused of planning an Islamist attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna entered its final day on Thursday (28 May), with a verdict expected later in the evening.
France will become the first country in the European Union to reimburse anti-obesity drugs through its public healthcare system, Health Minister Stéphanie Rist announced on Thursday (28 May).
An Inca child mummy discovered high in the Andes more than a century ago has been returned to an indigenous community in north-western Argentina after spending 119 years in a museum collection.
A growing majority of Europeans believe the European Union should pursue a more independent foreign policy and reduce its reliance on the U.S., according to a new survey published on Friday.
India is expected to experience its weakest monsoon in more than a decade in 2026, raising concerns over crop production, food prices and economic growth as the country also grapples with inflationary pressures linked to the Iran conflict.
The United Nations (UN) added Israel and Russia to a blacklist of parties suspected of committing conflict-related sexual violence on Friday (29 May). The move prompted Israel to announce it would sever ties with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Kenyan authorities have arrested eight students on suspicion of arson following a fire at a girls’ boarding school that killed 16, according to the country’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The blaze, which happened in Kenya's Rift Valley, also injured dozens of students.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment