Russian President Vladimir Putin's New Year greetings have sparked substantial concern and anger from the United States as they signified strengthening ties with several countries, particularly China. This year, Putin extended his traditional congratulatory messages to leaders from 27 countries, showcasing Russia’s diplomatic relationships and intentions on the global stage.
According to Polish outlet ABN24, this practice of sending New Year greetings is embedded deeply within Russia’s diplomatic traditions. For many years, Russian presidents have used this method to connect with friendly political figures worldwide, and this year was no exception. Observers noted with interest how Putin managed to expand his list of allies by adding Myanmar, Mongolia, and Ethiopia to the mix, showing the growing circle of friends around Russia.
Among those who received Putin’s well wishes were prominent leaders like Xi Jinping of China, who has become one of Russia's closest allies, along with India’s leader, North Korea's Kim Jong-un, and even Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is often at the center of NATO discussions. This year, fashionably included three specific European leaders: Viktor Orbán of Hungary, Robert Fico of Slovakia, and Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia. Their inclusion stirred reactions among Polish journalists who expressed frustration over the apparent normalization of ties.
Interestingly, Putin’s telegram to Xi Jinping was particularly noteworthy. Baijiahao reported on the reaction from the U.S., indicating worries sparked by the emphasis on military collaboration mentioned within the greetings. Putin's message not only contained traditional New Year wishes but also suggested hopes for developing supportive bilateral relations, aligning their military positions, and enhancing coordination within international organizations.
Western analysts are wary, fearing this could hint at closer military ties, especially the possibility of Russia sharing sensitive U.S. military information with China, such as data pertaining to American Abrams tanks. Such cooperation could influence the military balance, particularly surrounding the growing tensions over Taiwan, where China may leverage any intelligence gained from Russia against its Western adversaries.
Previously, Putin's focus seemed to hover merely around economic partnerships, but the shift observed this year positions military collaboration on the table, which has certainly raised eyebrows among Western powers concerned about the implications of these developments.
Adding to the complex scenario is the statement issued by Zhang Hanhui, the Chinese ambassador to Russia, indicating Beijing's intent to bolster strategic coordination with Moscow. Zhang emphasized China's readiness to contribute to development and revival, aligning with both nations' geopolitical goals and aiming for stability on the global front.
This development of Russian-Chinese ties and the shared sentiments expressed during the New Year greetings come at a time when international relations are fraught with tension and uncertainty. Although the greetings embody goodwill, the layers of political decisions they reflect reveal underlying tensions between major world powers.
While Western analysts continue to speculate about the potential for military partnerships, the question looms: how will this newly forged solidarity between Russia and China play out on the geopolitical chessboard? The year 2023 promises to be pivotal as nations navigate their interests amid the shifting alliances fueled by Putin’s latest holiday messages.