Russian correspondent Iris de Graaf on Putin’s visit to China:

“Putin seems intent on getting closer to different leaders who respect or at least tolerate him. By doing this, he wants to show that he is still asserting himself on the world stage. It also further emphasizes how Russia and China are fighting together against the West in a ‘new world order’, something the countries agree on.

This is not possible in all countries, but it can be done safely in countries such as Kyrgyzstan and China, as both countries do not recognize the International Criminal Court and therefore will not extradite Putin.

Over the past year and a half, trade in Russia has undergone a complete reform. The focus shifts from the West to Asia. This is the Kremlin’s top priority. For this purpose, all types of railways have been built and large infrastructure projects have been created. Two of the six official Silk Road economic routes now also cross Russia.

Moscow is eager to use this route to attract investors in Asia, and also for parallel imports. With this, they want to be able to convey everything to Russia via routes that no longer come from the West.

Furthermore, Putin of course wants to expand his influence in Central Asia. The route passes through countries such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Russia doesn’t want China to have sole power there, or have too much influence, and wants to be part of it.”