In February 2023, Russia suddenly launched a military strike on Ukraine, triggering strong condemnation and sanctions from the international community. The United States has provided a large amount of military aid to Ukraine in an attempt to curb Russia's expansionist ambitions.
However, Russia's Putin did not back down because of this, but in early March, he made a surprise visit to the Middle East and held a trilateral meeting with Iran, Turkey and other countries, demonstrating Russia's influence and strategic intentions in the region. What is the purpose of Putin's surprise visit to the Middle East?What impact does his actions have on the situation and balance in the Middle East?
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has not only triggered a security crisis in Europe, but also led to a surge in international oil prices. According to the International Energy Agency, in February 2023, Brent*** reached a high of $100 per barrel, a new high in nearly eight years. High oil prices are good for Russia's economy, but they are also putting pressure on Russia's diplomacy.
Western countries, such as the United States and the European Union, are seeking to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and increase oil imports from regions such as the Middle East and Africa. This means that Russia's oil market share and influence in the Middle East are at risk of being squeezed and weakened.
Putin's surprise visit to the Middle East is aimed at protecting and expanding Russia's oil interests in the region. Russia hopes to stabilize oil prices, increase oil exports, offset the impact of Western sanctions, and also weaken the energy influence of the United States in the Middle East through cooperation with Middle Eastern countries.
During his visit to Iran, Putin said that Russia is willing to strengthen cooperation with Iran in the energy field, support Iran's return to the JCPOA, and lift sanctions on Iranian oil. Putin also discussed with Turkey's Erdogan energy cooperation in Syria and Libya, among other places, as well as the progress of the Tuliu gas pipeline project under construction in Turkey.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has not only triggered strong condemnation and sanctions from the international community, but also led to a strategic confrontation between Russia and Western countries. Western countries such as the United States and the European Union are seeking to strengthen containment and suppression of Russia, and increase military support for regions such as Ukraine and NATO.
Russia's strategic space and influence in Europe and Asia are at risk of being compressed and isolated. Putin's surprise visit to the Middle East is aimed at breaking and breaking through Russia's strategic dilemma. Russia hopes to create and consolidate a strategic pattern favorable to Russia through cooperation with Middle Eastern countries.
During his visit to Iran, Putin said that Russia is willing to strengthen political and security cooperation with Iran in Syria, Afghanistan, and other places, support Iran's legitimate rights and interests in the Middle East, and oppose US interference and hegemony in the Middle East.
Putin also discussed political and security cooperation with Turkey's Erdogan, among other places, in Syria and Libya, as well as military and security cooperation in places such as the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Putin's actions demonstrate his intent and ability to build and lead a strategic alliance in the Middle East in favor of Russia.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has not only triggered strong condemnation and sanctions from the international community, but also led to strategic cooperation between Russia and China. China and Russia are comprehensive strategic cooperative partners, and the two countries have extensive and in-depth cooperation in the political, economic, and security fields. China has not condemned and sanctioned Russia on the issue of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but has called on all parties to peacefully resolve disputes through dialogue and maintain regional peace and stability.
This means that China's interests and security in the Middle East have a close and important relationship with Russia's actions and goals. Putin's surprise visit to the Middle East is aimed at communication and coordination with China.
Russia hopes that through cooperation with China, it will enhance and safeguard the interests and security of the two countries in the Middle East, promote and promote coordination and cooperation between the two countries in global affairs, oppose and resist the hegemonism and unilateralism of the United States and its allies, and safeguard and reform the international order and system.
During his visit to Iran, Putin said that Russia is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China in the Middle East, support China's legitimate interests and legitimate voice in the Middle East, and respect China's constructive role and contributions in the Middle East.
Putin also discussed trilateral cooperation with Turkey Erdogan with China, including in the areas of infrastructure construction, energy connectivity, and the digital economy within the framework of the Foreign Trade Initiative. It shows his desire and actions to promote and consolidate the Sino-Russian strategic partnership in the Middle East.
Putin's surprise visit to the Middle East is a diplomatic move of great significance and influence. His actions have had a far-reaching impact on the situation and balance in the Middle East, and have also posed new challenges and opportunities for China's interests and security. China should pay close attention to and analyze Putin's movements and objectives, maintain high-level communication and coordination with Russia, strengthen friendly cooperation and exchanges with Middle Eastern countries, and play a positive and constructive role.