Putin Congratulates Xi Jinping on His 73rd Birthday

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Russian President Vladimir Putin [Photo: Reuters & Yonhap]

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on his 73rd birthday, emphasizing the close relationship between the two leaders. On the same day, Chinese state media released a video highlighting Xi's identity as a Communist Party member and his leadership image.
On June 15, according to the Kremlin and Hong Kong media, President Putin referred to Xi as a "dear friend" in a congratulatory message sent the previous day, wishing him health and happiness.
Putin praised Xi's leadership, stating, "Under your leadership, China has achieved significant economic and social development and expanded its international influence."
It is known that Putin sends birthday messages to Xi every year. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also sent their congratulations.
On Xi's birthday, June 15, China Central Television (CCTV) released a video titled "Communist Party Member Xi Jinping." The video highlights Xi's political journey since joining the party, emphasizing his identity as a party member, dedication to the people, and achievements in the anti-corruption campaign.
China has maintained a practice of not publicly celebrating the birthdays of its top leaders, aware of the pitfalls of personality cults from the Mao Zedong era. As a result, Hong Kong media interpreted the release of the video on Xi's birthday as a form of propaganda that effectively serves as a birthday celebration.
The congratulatory message and video release are seen as efforts to enhance Xi's international stature and internal leadership image.

* This article has been translated by AI.

AJP