FROM OUR REPORTER
KIEV – Beijing and Moscow have responded to NATO’s challenge with a show of unity, announcing their intention to hold “joint military exercises” in the Sea of Japan three days before the end of the Vilnius summit. Yesterday morning came the statement from the Chinese Defense Ministry, which does not specify the date of the maneuvers, although they appear to be close. However, she states that they will be called “Northern-Interaction-2023” and will aim to “maintain the security of strategic maritime corridors”.
A move that underscores the Beijing regime’s long-term strategic choices: despite Putin’s unsuccessful blunders in the Ukrainian military operation and his apparent domestic weakness, Xi Jinping continues to see him as a key ally in the confrontation with the Western camp and with the American policy of Chinese “containment.” ‘ in the Pacific. This will also raise concerns in Tokyo, which has opened various territorial and water control disputes with China. The Global Times, the Chinese Communist Party’s English-language newspaper, points out that this is the first time Russia has sent naval and air forces to take part in maneuvers of this kind. Meanwhile, five Chinese warships and four helicopters have already left Tsingtao base in Shandong province to reach the stretch of sea where the drills are scheduled to begin. Since 2018, the Russian Pacific Fleet has invited the Chinese fleet to joint operations four times.
Putin has a keen interest in reinvigorating his own role on the international stage. The internal chaos in Russia and the failed coup d’état by the Wagner mercenary militia tarnished his image. This also explains the urgency with which Kremlin spokesmen discuss his long phone call yesterday with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. He is also trying to work out a compromise proposal for starting peace talks with Ukraine. One way to “oil” it could be to reinstate the deal on Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea, which could expire tomorrow as the Russians threaten not to renew it. Until a few days ago, Turkish leader Erdogan was supposed to play the role of mediator, but now his role appears to have been tarnished after he decided to free some well-known Ukrainian fighters from the Azov battalion, violating agreements with Putin. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol also joined the large circle of prospective mediators who met Zelenskyy in Kiev yesterday. In recent months, the South Korean arsenals have provided much of the shells the Ukrainians needed to continue the counteroffensive.