Xi Jinping Stands by Putin, Rebukes 'Unilateralism' and 'Hegemonic Bullying'
Xi Jinping, Chinese President, Vows Solidarity with Vladimir Putin Against 'Imperialist Harassment'
In a throwback to World War II camaraderie, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a visit to Russia, pledging unwavering support against what he called "unilateralism" and "hegemonic bullying" - a veiled swipe at Western critics of Russia's military offensive in Ukraine.
Arriving in Moscow on Thursday, Xi lauded the burgeoning trust between the two nations, seeming to take a dig at those questioning Russia's military campaign in Ukraine, which Putin has portrayed as a war against modern-day Nazis.
Reinforcing Histories and Rhetoric
Addressing Putin, Xi declared China's intent to team up with Russia to counter "unilateralism" and "hegemonic bullying" behavior worldwide. He further asserted that both nations would jointly uphold the "correct view" of World War II history, reinforce the United Nations' authority, and safeguard the "rights and interests" of China, Russia, and other developing countries for a balanced, orderly, multi-polar, and inclusive economic globalization.
Welcoming Xi as a "dear friend," Putin seized the moment to reassert Russia's role in World War II, often accusing the West of downplaying its impact, and to reinforce his narrative of the Ukraine war as a fight against neo-Nazis. He asserted that Russia and China share a common mission to preserve historical truth, combat neo-Nazism, and militatism, and to defend against modern manifestations of these ideologies.
Strained Relations and Future Prospects
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, with Ukraine's foreign ministry urging nations to avoid sending their militaries to participate in Victory Day events out of respect for their declared neutrality. Although Beijing has adopted a neutral stance in the conflict, Ukraine alleges that China has sent its nationals to aid Moscow on Ukrainian territory, a claim that China firmly denies.
Amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the visit by Xi comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly exerting pressure on both nations to reach a peace agreement after more than three years of war. This diplomatic rapprochement between the U.S. and Russia may cause apprehension for China, as Beijing is currently locked in a tariff war with the U.S.
During his visit, Xi is expected to sign multiple agreements to strengthen the "no limits" strategic partnership between China and Russia, which was established in 2022, less than three weeks before Putin launched his military offensive in Ukraine. Discussions are also set to take place regarding the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, a long-delayed project plagued by cost disagreements. Economic pressure on both countries may compel them towards compromise, according to analysts.
- The breaking news of Xi Jinping's visit to Russia indicates a strengthening of China's unwavering support against what Xi calls "unilateralism" and "hegemonic bullying," a veiled criticism of Western critics of Russia's military offensive in Ukraine.
- Addressing Putin, Xi declared China's intent to team up with Russia to counter "unilateralism" and "hegemonic bullying" behavior worldwide, and reinforce the United Nations' authority, while jointly upholding the "correct view" of World War II history.
- Putin, in response, reasserted Russia's role in World War II and reinforced his narrative of the Ukraine war as a fight against neo-Nazis, while asserting that Russia and China share a common mission to preserve historical truth, combat neo-Nazism, and militatism, and to defend against modern manifestations of these ideologies.
- Amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the visit by Xi comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly exerting pressure on both nations to reach a peace agreement after more than three years of war, which may cause apprehension for China, as Beijing is currently locked in a tariff war with the U.S.
- During his visit, Xi is expected to sign multiple agreements to strengthen the "no limits" strategic partnership between China and Russia, and discussions are set to take place regarding the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, a long-delayed project plagued by cost disagreements. Economic pressure on both countries may compel them towards compromise, according to analysts.
