For a moment, you could have mistaken Beijing for Moscow.
As Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping walked the red carpet towards the Great Hall of the People, a Chinese military band played the romantic Russian classic Moscow Nights.
If only you knew how these Moscow Nights are dear to me, goes the refrain. Hidden in the notes, was there a hint of political romance? Maybe even bromance?
My dear friend, said Putin to Xi. My old friend, said Xi to Putin. This was the language of two leaders who like to exhibit their special relationship, having met more than 40 times over the years.
In public statements, they spoke of strategic cooperation, partnership, mutual respect, friendship, and trust. Together, they condemned the irresponsible nuclear policy of the United States and criticized Donald Trump's plans for missile defense.
However, this summit underscored the reality of geopolitics. Russia seeks progress on a new pipeline project, Power of Siberia 2, which would supply additional volumes of gas to China. Yet, despite having signed a preliminary memorandum last year, China is cautious about over-dependence on Russian energy resources.
The Kremlin announced a general understanding on the parameters of the project, but a final agreement appears elusive. The realities of their respective interests are not fully aligned, an acknowledgment made by Russian officials even amidst the displays of camaraderie.
As Putin heads home, expectations from this visit linger, yet the limits of their partnership in energy and strategy become increasingly apparent.
