Unbreakable partnership: Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin reaffirm alliance amid global power shifts

In a powerful display of solidarity and strategic alignment, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Moscow for a highly symbolic visit that reinforced the two nations’ growing cooperation in the face of Western dominance. The visit, which coincided with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, underscored the strength of what both leaders hailed as a mature, resilient, and forward-looking partnership.

Upon arrival, President Xi was greeted with full honors, including a military band performing the Chinese and Russian national anthems. His flight, escorted by Russian fighter jets, landed safely despite security concerns surrounding potential Ukrainian drone activity. The atmosphere in Moscow was one of celebration and defiance, as the city prepared to honor a shared history of resistance against fascism, a legacy both nations continue to uphold today.

In his remarks at the Kremlin, President Putin welcomed Xi as a “dear friend,” while Xi referred to Putin as his “old friend,” reflecting the deep personal rapport that has been instrumental in advancing bilateral ties. Xi praised the enduring nature of the China-Russia relationship, calling it “confident, stable, and resilient,” and emphasized China’s readiness to work with Russia to shape a fairer, more multipolar world order, one free from hegemonic interference and coercion.

During the visit, both leaders condemned the return of unilateralism and geopolitical bullying, which they suggested was being led by the United States and its allies. Xi reiterated that the development of strong Sino-Russian relations is a natural progression of historical friendship and mutual respect. “History and reality have fully proven that the continued deepening of China-Russia ties serves the fundamental interests of both our peoples,” he said.

Putin and Xi are expected to sign several new agreements over the course of the Chinese leader’s four-day stay, further cementing a partnership often described as having “no limits.” Economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and mutual support on international issues are all expected to feature prominently in these accords. China has become an essential partner for Russia, particularly in light of Western sanctions, and both countries have demonstrated a shared commitment to safeguarding each other’s core interests.

Xi’s presence in Moscow also carried a message about Taiwan. In a strongly worded statement published before the visit, Xi expressed appreciation for Russia’s unwavering support of the One-China policy, stressing that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory. “Russia has repeatedly confirmed its adherence to the One-China principle and its opposition to any moves that promote ‘Taiwan independence,’” Xi stated. He affirmed that China would take all necessary steps to achieve national reunification.

Victory Day in Russia is a deeply symbolic event, and the timing of Xi’s visit highlights the shared historical consciousness between China and Russia. Both nations suffered immense losses during World War II and emerged with a profound understanding of the dangers posed by militarism and imperialism, dangers they believe are once again resurfacing under Western leadership.

While Washington has entertained hopes of creating divisions between Moscow and Beijing, those efforts have not only failed but have inadvertently pushed the two powers closer. The so-called “reverse Nixon” strategy, aimed at drawing Russia away from China, has lost all traction in the face of continued American aggression and strategic shortsightedness.

Instead, the world now witnesses the emergence of a powerful and unified Eastern front, built not on coercion, but on mutual respect, strategic patience, and a shared vision for a more balanced and inclusive global order. As Xi and Putin stood together in Moscow, they symbolized not only the strength of their nations’ alliance but also the growing momentum of a world that no longer accepts Western hegemony as inevitable.