Putin and Xi show their ‘model relationship’ amid their tensions with the West

China has deplored the recent decision by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia not to send political representatives to Beijing 2022 in response to human rights abuses, particularly in the Muslim-majority region of Xinjiang in northwest China.

Moscow considers this “diplomatic boycott” an attempt to politicize the Games.

In fact, Russia also believes it is the victim of a massive doping scandal that has undermined its sporting credibility for years, although Moscow denies any involvement.

Russia was accused in 2015 of organizing a state doping system, its participation in major international competitions was suspended until 2022, and its “clean” athletes can only compete as neutral participants.

In addition, their political leaders, including Putin, cannot attend these competitions unless they are invited by the head of the organizing country, as will happen in Beijing.

Tensions with the West

Relations between China and Russia with Western powers have deteriorated in the past years, which is why they have tried to show unity to act as a counterweight.

They not only cooperate in the United Nations Security Council, where they are permanent members, but have also strengthened their ties in the economy, defense and energy.

Currently, Russia is under fire from the European Union and the United States for its military exercises on the border with Ukraine, causing some to fear a possible invasion.

The issue was one of the topics planned for Wednesday’s summit between the European Union and the former Soviet republics, a forum that Moscow views with suspicion.

For its part, China is regularly criticized by Washington and its allies for its military pressure on Taiwan, the treatment of the Muslim Uighur minority or the restriction of freedoms in the supposedly semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong.