Leaders Xi and Putin to join forces
Chinese President Xi Jinping, currently in Moscow for the 80th anniversary commemoration of World War II's end, has declared China's unwavering support for Russia. Xi remarks that China will stand by Moscow against international tendencies, referring to US unilateralism and its aggressive actions.
At a meeting with President Putin, Xi emphasized the critical role of the Russian-Chinese foreign policy link as a stabilizing force on a tumultuous global stage. Putin applauded the relationship as mutually beneficial, built on equitable principles. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with their productive talks.
Putin Anticipates Reciprocal Visit
Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday accompanied by a delegation of government officials and business tycoons. Xi will be the centerpiece at the Red Square military parade on Friday, marking World War II's victory over Nazi Germany. Approximately 20 other foreign heads of state and government are expected to attend. Chinese troops will also participate in the parade. China celebrates World War II's end in early September, and Putin plans to return the favor with a visit to China at that time.
Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, China and Russia have forged a stronger bond. Despite China portraying itself as a neutral party in the conflict, Western nations accuse China of boosting Russia economically and diplomatically. China's car market is crucial for Russia, while China is a major buyer of Russian energy resources such as oil and gas, funding Putin's war efforts.
Ukraine: Truce Violated by Russia
Putin ordered the Russian military to lay down arms in observance of the celebratory Friday, with the truce taking effect early Thursday. However, Ukraine, dubbing the truce a political gimmick, alleges that Russia shattered it after a few hours. The Ukrainian air force claims that Russia attacked the Sumy region in eastern Ukraine with guided bombs overnight.
The Russian military, on the other hand, asserts that they are adhering to the truce, while Russian troops are merely reacting to the Ukrainian troops' ceasefire violations.
- Xi Jinping
- Vladimir Putin
- Russia
- China
- World War II
- Ukraine
Russia and China have established a solid, strategic partnership characterized by non-alignment, non-confrontation, and a stance that does not formally target any third party but counteracts Western influence. Cooperation between the two nations spans diplomatic, economic, and military dimensions, and both nations express mutual support on significant geopolitical issues: Russia supports China on Taiwan-related matters, while China backs Russia concerning the Ukraine conflict and denounces Western sanctions imposed on Moscow since its invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
The close relationship is evident in regular high-level engagements, with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin meeting over 40 times since 2022, with Xi's recent state visit to Moscow in May 2025 coinciding with Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in World War II. These visits highlight a "spirit of strategic coordination for a new era," as described by Xi Jinping, emphasizing permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation, which they consider important for global strategic stability and promoting a multipolar world order.
Economically, China has been Russia's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching $244.8 billion in 2024. Russia remains a significant supplier of oil and gas to China, especially as Western sanctions have limited Russia's access to high-tech machinery and electronics, which China has increasingly provided. Payment settlements in national currencies have deepened economic ties, helping both countries circumvent Western financial restrictions and reinforcing their economic interdependence.
Both leaders present their partnership as a joint front against unilateralism and "power politics" led by the United States. Xi Jinping explicitly stated that China and Russia shoulder "special responsibilities" as major countries and permanent UN Security Council members to oppose hegemonic practices and maintain the stability of global multilateral trade and supply chains. This stance signals a coordinated effort to challenge Western-dominated global governance systems, particularly on significant geopolitical issues such as the Ukraine conflict.
While China's close ties to Russia coexist with its complex relationships with other global powers, China's diplomatic support for Russia amidst the Ukraine war is significant. Beijing has condemned Western sanctions and has been a primary market for Russian energy exports, thus alleviating Moscow's economic burden. However, Beijing has maintained a somewhat cautious public stance, avoiding overt military involvement in the conflict, despite reports of Chinese citizens fighting in Ukraine on Russia's side. This strategic partnership strengthens Russia's resilience against Western pressure while complicating efforts for international resolution.
- China and Russia, led by Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin respectively, have marked a significant anniversary by reinforcing their united front amidst international tensions, following Xi's visit to Moscow for the 80th anniversary commemoration of World War II's end.
- In response to perceived Western "unilateralism" and "power politics," both China and Russia have expressed a joint opposition, emphasizing their strategic partnership as a counter to such practices.
- As a demonstration of this alliance, China's participation in the Red Square military parade, accompanied by President Xi, will emphasize their solidarity, while Putin plans a reciprocal visit to China in September, coinciding with China's celebration of World War II's end.
- Meanwhile, the Ukraine conflict continues, with allegations of truce violations on both sides, further highlighting the complex global political landscape and the role of the Chinese-Russian partnership.
