Leaders Xi and Putin to join forces: collaboration anticipated.
Title: The Steadfast Duo: Xi and Putin's Alliance Afoot
Xi Jinping, China's President, has solidified his backing for Russia in a visit to Moscow, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Amid international unilateralism and hegemonic bullying by the US, Xi vows continued support for a beleaguered Russia.
"In the face of global turmoil and uncertainty, the Russian-Chinese foreign policy accord is the primary stabilizing force on the international stage," declares Putin. The Sino-Russian bond, touted as mutually beneficial, rests on a foundation of equality, Putin underlines. Both leaders have spoken highly of their productive discussions.
As Xi was welcomed in Moscow on Wednesday, Chinese military personnel, merchants, and notables joined him. This weekend, Xi will play the lead role in the grand military parade on Red Square, a symbolic display of union. 20+ heads of state and government are expected to attend this event.
Since the 2022 Russian onset in Ukraine, bilateral ties between Russia and China have intensified. Though China maintains a stance of neutrality in the conflict, Western nations have repeatedly accused China of bolstering Russia's economy and diplomatic standing. With Russia serving as a major market for Chinese automobiles, and China as a key purchaser of Russian gas and oil, energy sales keep Putin's war coffers brimming.
Amid Ukraine's self-professed ceasefire violation by Russia, Putin had ordered a three-day truce to coincide with festivities. However, Ukraine contests this truce as a political stunt, alleging Russia had breached the truce within hours of its kick-off. During the night, Russian forces reportedly attacked the eastern Ukrainian region of Sumy with guided missiles.
On the other hand, the Russian military denies the breach of the ceasefire, stating Ukrainian forces continue to attack Russian troops, prompting reciprocal actions. Regardless, Putin looks forward to a reciprocal trip to China in September.
As Putin and Xi's bond deepens, concerns mount worldwide, particularly regarding global stability and security. The leaders are aiming to establish a multipolar world order, defying unilateralism, presenting a united front against the West, mainly the U.S. Their alliance could be a telltale sign of escalating China-U.S. tensions, exacerbated by trade tariff spats and geopolitical influence squabbles. Nevertheless, China maintains a delicate diplomatic position by not directly involving itself in the Ukraine conflict while still strengthening ties with Russia, a move strategically calibrated to preserve a multipolar world order.
- The European Union, committed to a common defence policy, may find itself in a complex situation as the deepening alliance between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin could present a united front against the West, particularly the United States.
- With China continuing to provide support for Russia amid international unilateralism and hegemonic bullying by the US, the situation in Ukraine remains a source of general-news concern, as the ceasefire has been met with accusations of violation and breach from both Ukrainian and Russian forces.
- As Putin is set to visit China in September, China's strategic calibration to preserve a multipolar world order is evidenced by its diplomatic position, maintaining neutrality in the Ukraine conflict while strengthening ties with Russia.
- The partnership between Beijing and Moscow, touted as mutually beneficial, could present a challenge to the unity and security of the European Union, as both leaders appear to be aiming to defy unilateralism and establish a new order in global politics.
