Xi and Putin affirm closer alliance during Russia's World War II commemoration ceremonies, preceding U.S.-China trade negotiations.
Realpolitik 2.0: Uniting for a Post-Western World
MOSCOW - A grand display of unity unfolded in the heart of Russia this week as the country celebrated the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany. The spectacle, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and troops from 13 other nations, served as a stark reminder of the strengthening Russia-China alliance and their steadfast determination to challenge the dominance of the U.S-led international order.
Amid heightened security following a series of drone attacks attributed to Ukraine, Russian troops marched triumphantly on the iconic Red Square. The parade was a powerful demonstration of the deepening ties between President Vladimir Putin and Xi, who arrived shortly after the disruptions caused by the Ukrainian drone attacks earlier in the week.
For Putin, embroiled in a heated standoff with the West over allegations of war crimes in Ukraine, the parade represented an opportunity to project a united front and diminish perceptions of isolation. As the U.S. under the Trump Administration appears poised to dismantle the post-WWII global order, Moscow and Beijing have assumed the roles of guardians, preserving and championing the essence of the old regime.
Xi echoed his support for Putin, asserting that China would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Russia in the face of adversity. The Chinese President, unfazed by the turbulence arising from the drone attacks, reaffirmed their bond as "friends of steel," vowing to shoulder the responsibilities of major global powers.
In a joint statement issued during Xi's four-day visit, the two leaders pledged to fortify their military, economic, and political ties, with a commitment to counteract the U.S.'s "policy of dual containment" aimed at limiting their influence. With their relationships with the West marred by sanctions and trade disputes, Moscow and Beijing have grown increasingly reliant on each other, forming a formidable counterbalance to U.S. dominance in global affairs.
The Russia-China alliance is not devoid of intricacies, though. As the two powers navigate the treacherous political landscape, regional rivalries and strategic differences emerge. Despite these complexities, the symbolic significance of this alliance stretches back to the historical victory over Nazism, bolstering both leaders' domestic legitimacy and illustrating their commitment to challenging Western pressure in pursuit of a more multipolar world.
In the midst of this shifting global landscape, discussions surrounding taxes and wealth distribution may become crucial points in the politics of the emerging post-Western world, as both Russia and China strive to establish their economic dominance. Furthermore, the deepening Russia-China alliance presents an opportunity for joint decision-making in war-and-conflicts, potentially influencing the general news narrative and challenging the existing U.S.-led international order.
