"Joined at the Hip" - Xi and Putin Unite on the Global Stage
Authoritarian Leaders Xi and Putin to Align Forces
Chinese President Xi Jinping has set foot in Moscow to attend a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. This marks another chapter in the strengthening relationship between Xi and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, as both leaders stand firm against perceived "harassment" from the United States.
In a tense geopolitical climate, the bond between China and Russia is crucial for global stability, according to Putin. He labels their bond as "mutually beneficial" and grounded in "equal footing." The two leaders described their talks as both "productive" and "warm and fruitful."
China and Russia's partnership is thriving as they plot a course for a more multipolar world, bucking the trend of unilateralism in international politics. But why is their alliance so important to both nations?
History of Cooperation
China and Russia have a longstanding maneuver of strategic interests, harking back to their shared border and non-aligned status in the face of Western power. They rekindled their partnership in earnest in the 2000s, focusing on trade, energy cooperation, and defense drills. This mutual love-in was fueled by a shared desire to combat Western dominance and forge a more balanced global order.
Ukraine Conflict
Since the commencement of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, ties between China and Russia have tightened considerably. China presents itself as a nonpartisan mediator, while Western powers have accused China of offering economic and diplomatic support to Russia. China provides a lucrative market for Russian oil, and Russia is a key buyer of Chinese automobiles. These commercial transactions bolster Putin's war chest.
Current State
The economic aspect of their relationship is more intertwined than ever before. China has agreed to increase trade through their respective national currencies, thereby reducing dependence on the US dollar. Russia is now China's top trade partner, with energy supply being central to their bilateral trade.
Politically, China and Russia share a common goal of resisting unilateral actions and maintaining stability in a volatile global landscape. They stand together in advocating for the rights of developing countries and fostering a multipolar world order.
Future Prospects
As both nations mobilize to counter Western pressure, they face a cloudy future fraught with suspicion and mystery. Western countries are concerned about the implications of the escalating China-Russia alliance, which they see as undermining the established world order. Nevertheless, China and Russia seem keen to add fuel to the fire, intent on shaping global governance and resisting unilateralism.
Impact of the Ukraine Conflict
- The ongoing Ukraine conflict has hastened the deepening of China-Russia partnership as Russia seeks to counter Western sanctions, and China seeks to promote a multipolar world.
- Despite China's reluctance to offer direct military support to Russia, diplomatic backing continues. China has remained a key partner for Russia in countering Western pressure, but recent events, like the capture of Chinese pilots in Ukraine, have raised questions about potential military involvement.
Sources: ntv.de, mdi/dpa/AFP
- Xi Jinping
- Vladimir Putin
- Russia
- China
- World War II
- Moscow
- Ukraine conflict
- The European Union, given its commitment to a common defense policy, may find itself facing a challenging geopolitical landscape as China and Russia strengthen their partnership, as displayed by President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow.
- In light of the Ukraine conflict, Beijing's diplomatic support for Russia presents complexities in global politics, with Western powers accusing China of offering economic and diplomatic assistance to Russia amidst its invasion.
- As China and Russia continue to advocate for their common goal of resisting unilateral actions, this presents an interesting contrast to the European Union's stance on maintaining a unified defense policy.
- The deepening China-Russia alliance, bolstered by the Ukraine conflict, challenges the established world order and could potentially present new dynamics in general-news politics, especially in terms of global stability and the future of multipolarity.
