Background on Key Figures
Xi Jinping, the President of China, and Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, have reaffirmed their strong alliance during a meeting in Moscow. Both leaders are significant figures in global politics, representing two of the world’s major powers.
Xi Jinping, who has been in power since 2013, leads the world’s most populous country and second-largest economy. His country is currently engaged in a trade war with the United States, making his relationship with Putin crucial for navigating international tensions.
Vladimir Putin, in power since 1999, heads a nation with substantial military and energy influence. His leadership has been marked by assertive foreign policy decisions, including Russia’s recent military actions in Ukraine.
Strengthening the Alliance
During their talks at the Kremlin, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin emphasized elevating cooperation between China and Russia to new heights. They pledged to counteract the influence of the United States decisively.
In a joint statement, they committed to deepening ties across all sectors, including military collaboration. The leaders stated their intention to “firmly counter Washington’s policy of double containment” towards Russia and China.
Both countries acknowledged that resolving the Ukrainian conflict requires addressing its “deep-rooted causes,” a stance Russia has used to justify its military intervention in Ukraine. Western nations, however, view this as a fabricated pretext for an imperial-style invasion.
Xi Jinping’s Visit and Its Significance
Xi Jinping is the most prominent foreign leader among over two dozen visitors to Moscow this week for the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, a significant event for Putin.
His presence and China’s alignment with Russia’s conflict stance provide Putin with crucial support amidst US pressure to end the war in Ukraine.
Russia aims to mend relations with Washington, which have plummeted to their lowest since the Cold War’s end due to the Ukraine conflict. Despite this, negotiations have yet to achieve a ceasefire, with Donald Trump threatening to withdraw unless progress is made.
Solidifying Cooperation
Xi Jinping stressed the importance of solidifying China-Russia cooperation and eliminating external interference.
“China and Russia must be true steel friends who have weathered a hundred trials,” Xi told Putin, implicitly referring to the United States.
The two nations vowed to collaborate against “unilateralism and coercion,” echoing their shared concerns about US global dominance.
Xi and Putin have met numerous times, signing a strategic partnership “without limits” in February 2022, just weeks before Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. China is Russia’s largest trading partner, providing an economic lifeline amid Western sanctions.
Putin affirmed that both leaders would personally oversee key aspects of their relationship, aiming to significantly boost trade and investment by 2030.
Historical Context: World War II Anniversary
For Putin, the World War II anniversary offers a chance to rally Russians around a historic achievement central to the nation’s identity. The Soviet Union lost 27 million people during the war, including many in Ukraine, which was also devastated.
In his opening remarks after greeting Xi in one of the Kremlin’s opulent halls, Putin thanked him for attending Moscow to commemorate the “sacred” victory over Adolf Hitler.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the key figures involved? President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
- What is the main focus of their meeting? Strengthening cooperation between China and Russia, particularly in the face of US influence.
- Why is Xi Jinping’s visit significant? It provides Putin with crucial support amidst US pressure to end the war in Ukraine and offers an opportunity for both nations to reaffirm their alliance.
- What are the main points of the joint statement? Deepening ties across all sectors, including military collaboration; countering US policies like double containment towards Russia and China; addressing the deep-rooted causes of the Ukrainian conflict.
