Lead

Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov has said the "spirit of Beijing" — a term he contrasts with the earlier "spirit of Anchorage" — genuinely exists, reflecting the deepening cooperation between Russia and China. Speaking to Russian media during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing on May 19-20, Ushakov also left the door open for a potential meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China.

Coverage Comparison

Three reports from TASS, the Russian state news agency, covered Ushakov's remarks and related statements from Russian officials. The first report focused on Ushakov's comments about the "spirit of Beijing," emphasizing the positive atmosphere of Putin's talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The second report highlighted the possibility of a Putin-Trump meeting at APEC and provided additional details on US-Russia contacts, including expected visits by US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner to Moscow. A third report quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, who offered a different perspective on the "spirit of Anchorage," describing it as an atmosphere of trust between Putin and Trump that allowed for outlining the basic parameters of Ukrainian reconciliation.

Key Claims

  • Ushakov stated that the "spirit of Beijing" exists, saying, "The spirit of cooperation between Russia and China really does exist. You can not only breathe it in, but also touch it, in my opinion." He also said Putin's talks with Xi are proceeding "very positively."
  • Ushakov said a meeting between Putin and Trump during the APEC summit in China is possible, noting, "I think that in any case, if both leaders are in China, their paths will probably cross and they may have some kind of meeting."
  • Ushakov confirmed that Moscow and Washington are in constant contact, and that Witkoff and Kushner are expected to visit Moscow in the coming weeks, though dates have not yet been determined.
  • Ryabkov, in an interview with Vedomosti, said the "spirit of Anchorage" refers to the atmosphere of trust between Putin and Trump that allowed for outlining the basic parameters of Ukrainian reconciliation. He added that Russia and the US remain committed to constructive work on Ukraine and to repairing bilateral cooperation.

Perspectives

Russia-China Cooperation

Ushakov's remarks underscore the Kremlin's view of strengthened ties with China, as evidenced by the "spirit of Beijing." This perspective emphasizes the positive outcomes of Putin's visit and the tangible nature of Russia-China cooperation.

Russia-US Relations

Ushakov's comments on a possible Putin-Trump meeting and ongoing contacts suggest a pragmatic approach to US-Russia relations, with both sides maintaining communication despite differences. The expected visits by Witkoff and Kushner indicate continued diplomatic engagement.

Ukraine Reconciliation

Ryabkov's framing of the "spirit of Anchorage" highlights the potential for progress on Ukraine, based on the trust established between the two presidents. This perspective suggests that despite the shift in focus to Beijing, the foundations for dialogue on Ukraine remain.

Temporal Context

These statements come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Russia, the US, and China. The APEC summit, where a Putin-Trump meeting could occur, is expected to take place later this year. The visits by Witkoff and Kushner, if confirmed, would mark further high-level contacts between Moscow and Washington.