Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin Strengthen Ties Amid Global Tensions During Moscow Visit
On Thursday, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin engaged in cordial discussions at the Kremlin, marking Xi's 11th visit to Russia. During a significant welcoming ceremony, Xi lauded the confidence, stability, and resilience of the Sino-Russian relationship, emphasizing China's willingness to collaborate with Russia to foster a multipolar world. Putin reciprocated the sentiment, referring to Xi as a 'dear friend', while Xi referred to Putin as his 'old friend'.
In his remarks, Xi asserted that the ongoing development and deepening of China-Russia relations are a natural progression stemming from the historical friendship between their peoples. His trip coincides with the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Russia on May 9. World leaders arriving in Moscow faced potential disruptions from Ukrainian drone attacks that led to the closure of multiple airports in the capital. Notably, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić experienced a flight reroute due to these risks. Xi, whose arrival was secured by an escort of Russian fighter jets, was welcomed by a military band that played the national anthems of both nations.
A temporary ceasefire declared by Russia to coincide with the anniversary celebrations appeared to hold, with Ukrainian forces reporting no detected Russian missile or drone activity in their airspace as of Thursday morning. During his four-day visit, Xi is expected to sign a series of cooperation agreements with Putin, further enhancing the close ties defined by their so-called 'no limits friendship'.
In an article released by Russian media prior to his visit, Xi reflected on the historical camaraderie between China and Russia during World War II, warning against unilateralism and hegemonic tactics in the current global political climate. He expressed the necessity to learn from historical lessons, specifically criticizing American dominance and advocating for a united front against such power politics. Xi's comments were made against the backdrop of ongoing tensions associated with the US-China trade war, where China has accused the US of coercive actions.
Despite hopes in some Washington circles that the previous Trump administration could facilitate a decoupling of Russia and China by strengthening US-Russia relations, Xi and Putin asserted their countries' intimacy in a joint proclamation. The cooperation between China and Russia has proven essential for Russia throughout the war in Ukraine, with increasing scrutiny from Kyiv regarding China's alleged direct assistance to Moscow's military efforts.
Notably, these declarations followed a compelling speech from Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's president, who urged European leaders to support Taiwan in confronting a new totalitarian alliance, which many interpret as a direct reference to China and its allies. Lai drew parallels between Taiwan's current struggles and those of Europe on the brink of World War II.
Xi has utilized this visit to highlight Russia's backing of China's claims over Taiwan, reiterating Moscow's commitment to the One China principle, which asserts that Taiwan is an integral part of China. Russia has explicitly opposed any form of Taiwanese independence and firmly backs efforts taken by the Chinese government towards national reunification.
As concerns among Western leaders grow regarding a possible Chinese incursion into Taiwan in the coming years, the war in Ukraine serves as a blueprint for how such an event might unfold on the international stage. The ongoing geopolitical dynamics underscore the importance of the Sino-Russian alliance as both nations navigate a landscape fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
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