Xi Jinping's Moscow Visit: A Display of Unity and a Challenge to Global Order

Putin Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Xi Jinping, Signaling a Strong Alliance Amidst Shifting Global Dynamics

As the world watches, Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his grand "Victory Day" military parade on May 9th, and at the top of his guest list is Xi Jinping. The Chinese leader arrived in Moscow for a four-day state visit, solidifying a partnership that challenges the current global order. This visit underscores a deepening of "mutual trust," according to Beijing, and marks a joint commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Allied forces’ World War II victory over Nazi Germany.

This show of solidarity between the two autocrats comes at a pivotal time. The visit highlights the unity between China and Russia as the US President, Donald Trump's "America First" diplomacy has reshaped international relations. Putin described Xi as his "main guest," hailing the two nations as "good neighbors," "true friends," and "reliable partners." They will "work together to defend the hard-won outcomes of World War II," resolutely oppose "hegemonism and power politics," and promote "a more just and reasonable global governance system," as per Xi's statement.

The parade, taking place under the shadow of Putin’s assault on Ukraine, will also see the participation of contingents from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army honor guard. This event, however, is against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, with Ukraine rejecting a proposed ceasefire and launching drone attacks on Moscow.

The visit is Xi’s third time in Russia since Putin launched his war more than three years ago, but much has changed since his last visit just over six months ago. China and the US are now locked in an escalated trade war that threatens major impact to both economies, and Beijing finds itself in need of strengthening its friendships – and trade partnerships – with other nations, including Russia.

This visit aims to solidify Beijing's access to Russia's natural resources and markets. China has become a crucial lifeline for Moscow, with record bilateral trade last year. Western governments express concerns over China's "normal trade" with Russia. Observers say Xi will be looking to ensure China’s continued access to Russia’s natural resources and market, given that China has been facing 145% tariffs on most exports to the United States.

The meetings will also address Ukraine, relations with the US, and the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline, a project Russia aims to advance. The leaders are also expected to emphasize their role as alternative leaders to the US, especially given the aggression in the South China Sea and towards Taiwan.

The close relationship between Xi and Putin, fueled by ideological and economic benefits, is unlikely to shift. Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University, states that "Russia distrusts the US … and the fundamental hostile attitude toward Russia in the US and in general from the West cannot be changed." The meetings in the days ahead are likely to send a message: China and Russia remain as aligned as ever.