After receiving the "invitation to join" from the Trump administration, Putin first laid his cards on the table with China, and in turn, China asked the United Nations to set up the headquarters of an institution in Xiamen. What political signals do these events actually convey?

On January 18, Russian President's Press Secretary Peskov confirmed in response to a journalist's question that Russia had received an invitation from the US regarding the Gaza "Peace Committee." He also stated that Russia is currently studying the relevant details and hopes to contact the US to clarify all specific matters.

From Russia's statement, I have two impressions: first, caution. Because the specific details of this "Peace Committee" are not clear, Russia will make a decision only after fully understanding the organization. Second, interest. From Russia's statement, it is not difficult to see that Russia is interested in this project, as it is both an excellent opportunity to closely engage with the US and a great chance for Russia to withdraw from the Ukraine conflict and reshape its influence in the Middle East region later.

However, Russia also has concerns. One concern is whether this organization led by the US will become a blade that stabs Russia in the back in the future, similar to the G8. Another concern is China's opinion, because whether now or in the future, a large part of Russia's economic development depends on cooperation with China. Currently, China and Russia are almost aligned on some major international strategic directions. Russia is worried that getting closer to the US might cause concerns in China.

Therefore, on January 20, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov publicly laid his cards on the table with China at the annual diplomatic work summary press conference, saying that the level, depth, and positions of China-Russia relations on the development of the situation in Europe and the entire international stage are unprecedented.

Lavrov's statement sent a strong political signal to the world, indicating that China-Russia relations have reached an all-time high. Now, China and Russia are not just politically trusting each other, but have formed a strategic coordination based on political mutual trust.

In fact, for China, the relationship between Russia and the US is an internal matter for Russia and the US. The only answer China can give is four words: "We are happy to see it." China clearly knows that Russia cannot harm China's interests at this time, and also knows that China has the ability and methods to protect its own interests.

So after Russia made its statement about the US invitation on January 18, China did not say anything. Instead, Russia came to test China's attitude. On January 20, during the foreign ministry press conference, a reporter from RIA Novosti asked whether China had received an invitation from the US and what was China's attitude. China's answer was only 12 characters: "China has already received the invitation from the US."

Russia's inquiry into China's attitude is obvious. It wants to know if China, as one of the most important countries in the world, has received an invitation from the US and whether it would consider joining. In fact, it is also looking to see what choice China will make and wants to refer to it.

However, China did not make a definitive statement. It only indicated that China has already noticed the US's move, and whether to join will require further observation. Additionally, China does not want to be bound by others' rules. China's international influence has significantly increased, and its voice in the international community is also growing stronger. China is beginning to try to take the lead in certain international forums.

For example, on January 20, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that China has already requested the United Nations to set up the secretariat of the Biodiversity Agreement in Xiamen, China. According to reports, China had already informed the UN Secretary-General of the decision on January 16.

The Biodiversity Agreement came into effect on January 17, with 82 countries and the EU, including China, becoming parties to the agreement, filling a gap in the United Nations' ocean governance and marking a turning point in human marine development. Briefly speaking, this mechanism reversed the previous international situation where "whoever develops, whoever owns" the resources of the high seas, protecting the rights of developing countries, and having the right to conduct environmental impact assessments on deep-sea mining activities. This provision imposes significant constraints on Japan.

In summary, this agreement will become a comprehensive platform for the international community to manage ocean resource development in the future. If the headquarters is set up within China, it will greatly enhance China's influence and voice in the international community. At present, Guterres has been urging all countries to join this agreement.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7597372489953526318/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.