Full Picture

Article analysis:

The CNN article titled "China's Xi Jinping makes 'journey of friendship' to Moscow days after Putin's war crime warrant" provides a critical analysis of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to Russia and his meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The article highlights the optics of the visit, where two autocrats who have long described themselves as firm friends are shaking hands and banqueting while a conflagration in Europe rages.

The article suggests that Xi's visit is a timely opportunity for China to showcase its growing diplomatic clout on the world stage and its ambition to challenge the US-led global order. However, it also notes that in many Western capitals, the visit will look very different, as it is seen as a stark show of support for the increasingly isolated Putin at a time when his military is running out of supplies and Russia's economy is struggling under Western sanctions.

The article raises concerns about China providing lethal assistance to Russia's military, which has been denied by Beijing. It also highlights Ukraine's concerns about China becoming an accomplice in the war. However, the article does not explore counterarguments or provide evidence for these claims.

The article suggests that Beijing has offered Moscow much-needed diplomatic and economic support throughout the invasion and expanded trade links with its northern neighbor. It also notes that China's People's Liberation Army has continued to conduct joint military exercises with the Russian military. However, it does not provide evidence or sources for these claims.

The article notes that Xi will be walking a diplomatic tightrope in Moscow as he seeks to present China as a neutral peace broker while deepening ties with Russia without further antagonizing Europe. It also suggests that Xi is hoping to use this trip to cast himself as a statesman and portray China as a major global power and peacekeeper capable of shaping global events.

However, the article does not explore potential risks or note both sides equally. It presents only one side of the story, highlighting concerns about China supporting Russia but not exploring why China might be doing so or what benefits it might see from such support.

Overall, while the CNN article provides some critical analysis of Xi's visit to Moscow, it lacks depth in exploring counterarguments or providing evidence for some claims made. It also presents only one side of the story without exploring potential risks or noting both sides equally.