As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his annual May 9 “Victory Day” parade, Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s arrival in Moscow underscores a powerful display of unity between the two nations. Xi’s four-day visit commemorates 80 years since the Allied victory over Nazi Germany, a moment both leaders are using to showcase their strengthened partnership amid rising global tensions. Putin referred to Xi as his “main guest,” signaling the deepening of what both sides describe as a relationship built on mutual trust and shared geopolitical vision.
During his arrival, Xi praised Russia and China as steadfast partners opposed to “hegemonism and power politics,” directly challenging the current US-led global order. The two leaders aim to use the symbolic WWII anniversary to reaffirm their opposition to Western unilateralism and promote a “more just and reasonable” global governance system. This positioning plays into both countries’ broader strategies to offer an alternative to the US-dominated world order, particularly as US alliances show signs of strain.
Victory Day Overshadowed by War in Ukraine and Strengthening China-Russia Strategic Partnership
The Victory Day events occur amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which complicates Moscow’s attempts to project strength. Putin proposed a temporary ceasefire for the parade, but Ukrainian President Zelensky rejected it as a “theatrical performance.”
Amid escalating drone attacks from Ukraine on Russian soil and warnings from Kyiv to foreign dignitaries, the backdrop of war looms large over the celebrations. Despite this, China has remained a key diplomatic and economic supporter of Russia, even while officially claiming neutrality.
Xi Joins Putin in Moscow as China and Russia Showcase Defiant Alliance on Victory DayXi’s visit comes at a time of shifting global dynamics. As China grapples with an intensifying trade war with the United States and Russia grows more isolated on the world stage, the two nations have found strategic alignment in deepening their partnership.
Analysts believe China is working to strengthen its trade and energy links with Russia, even as it manages a delicate and often strained relationship with Europe. Meanwhile, Russia, once optimistic about improved ties with the U.S. under Trump, remains wary, particularly as Washington maintains robust military and economic backing for Ukraine.
Deepening Strategic Ties as China and Russia Challenge Western Influence and Expand Trade Cooperation
The agenda for Xi and Putin includes discussion on strategic projects like the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline and growing military cooperation. Both leaders are expected to promote their roles as stable global actors in contrast to what they frame as Western aggression and unpredictability.
The two nations have dramatically increased bilateral trade, with China supplying critical goods to sanctions-hit Russia, reinforcing their interdependence. This support, however, has attracted criticism from Western governments who accuse Beijing of enabling Moscow’s war effort.
Observers believe Xi’s visit is primarily geared toward securing continued access to Russian energy and resources, vital for China as US tariffs rise. However, the Chinese leader must also balance his stance to avoid alienating Europe, where China seeks to mend ties.
Despite occasional fluctuations in US-Russia relations, analysts assert that Beijing and Moscow are unlikely to shift from their strategic alignment. As both countries confront growing resistance from the West, their partnership appears not only resilient but intentionally defiant.