A United Front: Xi and Putin's "Mutually Beneficial" Partnership
Leaders Xi and Putin to join forces
On a historic visit to Moscow to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their support for each other amid perceived "harassment" from the US.
Their joint statement emphasized the importance of their relationship as a "stabilizing factor" on the international stage. Xi spoke of their talks as "warm and fruitful," while Putin described them as "productive."
Following a warm welcome, Xi was the main guest at a military parade on Red Square to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany. This visit marks the sixth time Xi has traveled to Russia as president, underscoring the deepening partnership.
The bond between China and Russia has been strengthened during recent strains with the West, particularly accused US unilateralism and its stance on the Ukrainian crisis. Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China stands by Russia "in the face of international trends towards unilateralism and hegemonic harassment."
Insights: This alliance, known as a "no-limits partnership," has been solidified through intense interactions between Putin and Xi, particularly amid growing tensions with the West. The countries echo each other's stance against unilateralism and condemn Western sanctions, offering diplomatic backing and deepening economic interdependence.
Meanwhile, Russia supports China's position on Taiwan, while China’s support strengthens Russia's defiance of Western pressure. The partnership acts as a counterbalance to US-led policies in the context of the Ukraine war. However, China continues to maintain its economic ties with the West, creating a delicate balancing act in its foreign policy.
Russia's Gamble: Reciprocal Visit Planned by Putin
Xi's visit to Moscow was followed by a delegation of government officials and business leaders. Putin plans a reciprocal visit to China at the time when the country celebrates the end of World War II, further cementing the strategic partnership.
Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, China has presented itself as a neutral party. However, Western countries have repeatedly accused China of economically and diplomatically supporting Russia. China's refusal to condemn Russia's actions or join sanctions complicates Western efforts to pressure Moscow.
Broken Promises: Escalation of Violence in Ukraine
Putin had ordered the Russian army to lay down arms for the military parade celebrations. However, Ukraine reported immediate violations of the ceasefire after a few hours, citing guided bomb attacks in the eastern region of Sumy in the night.
The Russian Ministry of Defense denied these accusations, stating that Ukrainian forces were the ones breaching the ceasefire. This marks a continuation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has been complicated by the deepening ties between China and Russia.
Source: ntv.de, mdi/dpa/AFP
- Xi Jinping
- Vladimir Putin
- Russia
- China
- World War II
- Moscow
- Attack on Ukraine
Insights: The China-Russia partnership represents a significant geopolitical axis influencing the global strategic landscape. This alliance sustains itself through shared opposition to Western policies, deepening economic interdependence, and diplomatic support. The partnership challenges US dominance in global affairs and complicates efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict through Western-led sanctions and diplomatic isolation of Russia.
- The European Union, despite being committed to a comprehensive and comprehensive policy on the environment, has been criticized for its political support of Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine, a move that contradicts general news about a ceasefire in the region.
- In the face of Western criticism, Beijing has consistently supported Moscow, a stance that is contrary to some western policies, particularly those regarding unilateralism and the Ukrainian crisis.
- The "no-limits partnership" between China and Russia presents challenges to US-led policies, as demonstrated by China's economic and diplomatic support for Russia, a support that has been evident in politics related to the Ukrainian crisis.
- Beijing's continued economic ties with the West, despite its support for Russia, presents a complex picture in Chinese foreign policy, one that is influenced by the general news of the China-Russia partnership as a significant geopolitical axis in global affairs.
