On May 8, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, declaring that China would stand with Russia against what he termed "hegemonic harassment" from the West. This meeting coincided with commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, a significant historical event for both nations.
During their discussions, Xi emphasized that "Faced with the international trend towards unilateralism and hegemonic harassment behavior, China will work with Russia to assume the special responsibilities of major world powers." This statement underscores the growing alliance between China and Russia, particularly in light of the geopolitical tensions heightened by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since 2022.
Putin echoed Xi's sentiments, asserting that the ties between Russia and China are "mutually beneficial" and aimed at serving the interests of their respective peoples, not against any third party. He stated, "Our relations are based on equality and are mutually beneficial," emphasizing the cooperative nature of their partnership.
The two leaders greeted each other warmly, with Xi's visit marking his 11th trip to Russia since taking office. Putin described their discussions as "very productive," and Xi characterized them as "in-depth, cordial, and fruitful." The mutual political trust between the two nations, according to Xi, is deepening, with stronger links for pragmatic cooperation emerging.
As part of their alliance, both leaders expressed a commitment to defending what they termed the "historical truth" regarding World War II. Putin criticized Western nations for attempting to distort this history, promising to protect the memory of wartime events and combat modern manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism alongside their Chinese counterparts.
Xi's visit comes at a time when both countries have intensified their collaboration, particularly in response to Western sanctions imposed on Russia due to its military actions in Ukraine. The West has accused China of assisting Russia in circumventing these sanctions, a charge both nations vehemently deny. Instead, they frame their partnership as a counterbalance to what they perceive as Western hegemony in global affairs.
During the meeting, they also discussed various topics, including political, security, and economic relations. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine was not explicitly addressed in detail, although it remains a critical point of concern for both nations.
Looking ahead, Xi Jinping is scheduled to attend a military parade on May 9, 2025, in Moscow, commemorating the victory of 1945, alongside Putin. This parade will feature troops from China and several other countries, showcasing their military cooperation and solidarity.
The backdrop of Xi's visit is marked by significant geopolitical shifts, with both leaders positioning themselves against what they describe as unilateral actions by the West. Xi's remarks about the need for cooperation in the face of "hegemonic harassment" resonate with Putin's long-standing critiques of Western policies and their implications for global stability.
Moreover, the discussions between Xi and Putin reflect a broader trend of increasing alignment between China and Russia, particularly as both nations face pressures from the United States and its allies. Their partnership is not only strategic but also ideological, as they seek to promote a multipolar world order that counters Western dominance.
As the international community watches closely, the implications of this strengthened Sino-Russian alliance could reshape global political dynamics. The cooperation between these two major powers highlights a significant shift in the balance of power, with potential repercussions for international relations and security.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow marks a pivotal moment in Sino-Russian relations, as both leaders reaffirm their commitment to a partnership based on mutual interests and shared challenges. The world will be watching to see how this alliance evolves and what impact it may have on global affairs.
