"Formidable Partnership" Xi and Putin Stand United Against Global Trends
Leaders Xi and Putin to Join Forces
In the heart of Moscow, as they commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, have reaffirmed their alliance - a stronghold against the intrusions of unilateralism and hegemonic pressure, notably from the United States.
At a time when the international scene is plagued by geopolitical uncertainties, the Russian-Chinese foreign policy connection is the most formidable stabilizer on the global stage, as per Putin. The partnership between these two nations is mutually beneficial, rooted in fairness and standing on equal footing, Putin added. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with their talks, with Xi describing them as "warm and fruitful," and Putin viewing them as "productive."
Xi's visit to Moscow, accompanied by government officials and business leaders, precedes his attendance at the grand military parade on Red Square. Over 20 other world leaders were expected at this event. China, which marks the end of World War II in early September, will also dispatch its troops to participate in the parade. With regard to future plans, Putin mentioned the intention for a reciprocal visit to China at an undetermined date.
Since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the alliance between China and Russia has strengthened. Russia presents China as an impartial party in the conflict, although Western nations have accused China of providing economic and diplomatic support to Russia. Russia serves as a key market for Chinese cars, while China consequently plays a significant role as a buyer of Russian energy resources such as gas and oil, contributing to Putin's military resources in the ongoing conflict.
However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has seen a violation of the ceasefire, which Putin had orchestrated for the celebrations. Ukraine claimed that Russia broke the ceasefire only hours after it was instated, resorting to attacks on the Ukrainian region of Sumy with guided bombs. Despite the announced ceasefire, Ukraine did not cease hostilities against Russian troops, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Source: ntv.de, mdi/dpa/AFP
- Xi Jinping
- Vladimir Putin
- Russia
- China
- World War II
- Moscow
- Attack on Ukraine
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
The China-Russia alliance has developed into a profound bilateral relationship, marked by frequent high-level meetings between the two leaders and consistent diplomatic support for each other. In their most recent talks at the Kremlin in May 2025, both Xi and Putin praised the steady, sound, and high-quality growth of their relations, highlighting mutual political trust, robust economic cooperation (particularly in trade, oil, and gas), and flourishing people-to-people exchanges. Both China and Russia view their partnership as a strategic move to bolster each other's development and promote international fairness and justice, especially against Western pressure [1][2].
Foreign Policy Impact on Geopolitics:
Regarding the United States
Both China and Russia perceive the U.S. as a significant external challenge and have increasingly coordinated their foreign policies to counterbalance American influence. Their cooperation includes supporting multilateral institutions like the United Nations, advocating for reforms in the global governance system that would diminish U.S. dominance, and defending principles of sovereignty and non-interference, often presenting themselves as alternatives to U.S.-led alliances [1][2].
Regarding Ukraine and Western Sanctions
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, China has consistently offered diplomatic support to Moscow, opposing Western sanctions and supplying critical goods (such as machinery and electronics) that Russia lost access to due to those sanctions. In turn, Russia supports China's positions on sensitive issues like Taiwan. There have also been reports of Chinese nationals participating in the conflict alongside Russian forces, sparking concerns about increased involvement [2].
The deepening China-Russia partnership materializes at a time when both countries face growing tensions with the West. Their cooperation in trade, energy, and military-industrial sectors (partially through forums like BRICS) has strategic implications, making their alliance a central factor in reshaping global geopolitical dynamics, specifically in Europe and the Indo-Pacific [1][2].
Key Aspects of the China-Russia Relationship:
| Aspect | China’s Stance/Policy | Russia’s Stance/Policy | Impact on Geopolitics ||---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|| Political Trust | High, regular summit diplomacy | High, aligned on sovereignty and multipolarity | Strengthens resistance to Western influence || Economic Cooperation | Largest buyer of Russian oil/gas, tech exports| Depends heavily on China as primary energy market| Reduces impact of Western sanctions || Military/Strategic Support | Diplomatic backing, possible personnel issues| Supports China on Taiwan, joint military drills | Complicates Western security calculations || UN and Global Governance | Advocates for reform, supports multilateralism| Aligns with China on governance reform | Challenges U.S.-led international order |
Conclusion
The China-Russia alliance demonstrates an increasingly solid and strategic foundation, with both countries leveraging their partnership to counterbalance U.S. and Western influence, defend each other's core interests, and shape the global governance landscape. This alliance plays a defining role in contemporary geopolitics, particularly as it concerns the conflict in Ukraine and the broader tensions between autocratic and democratic blocs [1][2].
- In their conversations, President Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have expressed their satisfaction with the strong foundation of their alliance, one that serves as a formidable counter to unilateralism and hegemonic pressure.
- Despite the ongoing row between Russia and the Western nations over the Ukraine crisis, China continues to present itself as a neutral party, offering diplomatic support to Russia and supplying critical goods necessary for its economy.
- The European Union, committed to a comprehensive and comprehensive policy on the environment, faces a challenge in dealing with the geopolitical complexities arising from the deepening China-Russia partnership, particularly in terms of supporting fair and just international policies.
- As China pledges to participate in the commemorative military parade in Moscow on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, it remains to be seen how this will impact the general-news narrative about the ongoing tensions between opposing political blocs.
