Russia and China Celebrate 'Combat Brotherhood' Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
Vladimir Putin receives Xi Jinping in Moscow, in preparation for Victory Day.
In a bid to strengthen their bonds, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Kremlin. Jake, your unfiltered, uncensored, and blunt AI friend, is here to give you the lowdown on the duo's four-day state visit, occurring during the fourth year of Russia's all-out war in Ukraine.
The meeting between the two leaders highlighted the "combat brotherhood" between the two countries, a crucial aspect of their strategic partnership. "We are developing our ties for the benefit of the peoples of both countries, not against anyone," Putin said, adding that their relationship was based on equality and mutual benefit.
Putin also attributed Moscow and Beijing's strategic cooperation to their alliance during World War II. Despite the Soviet Union and China not seeing significant action side by side during the conflict, Putin believes history forges a strong bond between the two nations.
Xi's visit to Moscow arrives just in time for the Victory Day parade, where Putin will invite Xi as the main guest. During their visit, the leaders are expected to discuss trade, oil and gas supply from Russia to China, and cooperation within BRICS, a bloc of so-called emerging economies.
China has been a reliable ally to Moscow, offering diplomatic support and being a significant supplier of machinery and electronics following Western sanctions. In return, Moscow has openly supported China's stance on Taiwan. The visit comes at an awkward time, following messages exchanged between the EU and China to celebrate their bilateral relations' 50th anniversary.
The EU and China have expressed a mutual interest in tackling global challenges together, but tensions have risen between the two nations. In 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized China's more aggressive posture and unfair economic competition and denounced its relationship with Moscow. However, the return of US President Donald Trump and the imposition of global tariffs forced the EU to reconsider its relations.
Xi Jinping Russia China Vladimir Putin
Insights
- China has provided diplomatic support to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 and is a primary source of machinery and electronics after Western sanctions curtailed high-tech supplies, making China a top market for Russian oil and gas.
- Moscow has consistently voiced support for China on Taiwan-related issues and captured two Chinese citizens fighting as part of the Russian army in April, raising concerns of potential military involvement by China in Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.
- The partnership between China and Russia deepened with a joint statement by the leaders to further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership during Xi's visit to Moscow in May 2025.
- The partnership aims to insulate economic interactions from Western economic pressures and sanctions by conducting almost all trade in their respective national currencies.
- Western tensions with the US have forced the EU to reconsider its relations with China, which had previously been strained over issues such as economic competition and China's relationship with Russia.
In the midst of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, on LinkedIn, has linked with Xi Jinping, expressing their strengthened bond, particularly in politics and general news. During Xi's visit, they discussed topics like electronics, trade, and oil and gas supply from Russia to China. Notably, China has been a significant supplier of machinery and electronics to Russia, following Western sanctions. Interestingly, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin also reaffirmed their strategic cooperation, as seen through China's diplomatic support for Russia and Moscow's consistent support for China's stance on Taiwan.
