Xi and Putin Showcase Strengthened Alliance Amid Global Tensions

 MOSCOW — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their strategic partnership in a high-profile Kremlin ceremony on Thursday, underscoring deepening ties between Beijing and Moscow as they jointly challenge the U.S.-led international order.

The visit marks Xi’s 11th to Russia and precedes Friday’s Victory Day military parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Following nearly four hours of talks, Xi characterized the discussions as “in-depth, friendly and fruitful.” Putin, in turn, hailed Xi as a “dear friend,” describing the meeting as “warm and substantive,” and emphasized that bilateral relations were “stronger than ever before.”

The two leaders signed a joint statement pledging to further advance their comprehensive strategic partnership. Putin also confirmed plans to visit China later this year to mark the anniversary of Japan’s defeat in 1945.

“History and reality have fully proven that the continued development and deepening of China-Russia relations is a natural continuation of the longstanding friendship between our peoples,” Xi said ahead of the talks.

The display of unity between the two leaders comes at a time of heightened geopolitical friction. U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his administration’s trade war with China and continues to pressure Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, even as efforts to isolate Moscow diplomatically have been met with growing Sino-Russian solidarity.

In an article published in Russian media ahead of the visit, Xi emphasized historical bonds, writing: “China and Russia fought side by side in the Second World War. Today, 80 years later, unilateralism, hegemony and bullying are extremely harmful. We must learn from history … [and] resolutely oppose all forms of hegemony and power politics, and jointly create a better future for mankind.”

During Thursday’s joint appearance, Xi reiterated these concerns, stating that the world is facing “unilateralism and acts of hegemonic bullying in the international arena”—a clear reference to ongoing tensions with the United States.

Amid Xi’s visit, Moscow was on high alert for potential Ukrainian drone strikes, prompting the temporary closure of several airports. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s flight was among those diverted as a precaution. Russia had announced a three-day ceasefire to coincide with the commemorative events, though both Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of continued hostilities.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, dismissed the ceasefire as disingenuous. “Predictably, Putin’s ‘Parade ceasefire’ proves to be a farce,” he wrote on X. “According to our military data, despite Putin’s statements, Russian forces continue to attack across the entire frontline. From midnight to midday, Russia committed 734 ceasefire violations and 63 assault operations, 23 of which are ongoing.” Sybiha added that Ukraine remains open to a “30-day full ceasefire.”

Xi arrived in Moscow under heavy security, with his aircraft escorted by Russian fighter jets. He was welcomed by a military band playing the national anthems of both nations.

His presence also served to reinforce Beijing’s claims over Taiwan—a sensitive issue amplified by the visit's timing. “Russia has repeatedly reiterated that it adheres to the one-China principle, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence’, and firmly supports all measures taken by the Chinese government and people to achieve national reunification,” Xi wrote on Wednesday.

The joint reaffirmation of the Sino-Russian alliance comes as Western leaders express growing concern over China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Many fear that China may be drawing lessons from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as it eyes potential action against Taiwan.

Only hours before Xi’s remarks, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te delivered a pointed speech in Taipei, urging European democracies to support Taiwan against what he termed “a new totalitarian group,” in an implicit reference to China and its allies. Lai drew parallels between Taiwan’s current challenges and Europe’s precarious position on the eve of the Second World War.

As global tensions escalate, the Xi-Putin meeting highlights the cementing of an authoritarian axis prepared to confront Western influence—and, potentially, reshape the global balance of power.