MOSCOW, (WE) — In a high-profile diplomatic visit that highlighted the strength of China-Russia ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday. The two leaders reaffirmed their growing partnership, describing it as confident, stable, and resilient in a changing world.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, Xi said China-Russia relations represent the “call of the times.” He stressed that both countries aim to promote fairness and justice in the international system. Xi called for unity against unilateralism and the abuse of power by certain nations. He also backed a multipolar world and more inclusive globalization.
This trip marks Xi’s 11th visit to Russia since becoming president. It comes as both countries celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. The event is deeply symbolic and honors their joint legacy in World War II, reinforcing a shared historical narrative.
Strengthening Bilateral Trust Amid Global Flux
During the talks, Xi underscored that China and Russia, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, share a “special responsibility” to promote global peace, security, and development.
“In face of unprecedented global changes, China and Russia have continuously deepened political mutual trust and strategic coordination,” Xi said, according to Xinhua. “Our partnership has become a source of valuable stability and positive energy in a turbulent world.”
The Chinese leader reiterated the countries’ shared opposition to revisionist interpretations of World War II history, urging the preservation of the United Nations Charter and defense of the legacy of the Allied victory. Xi warned against historical nihilism and attempts to smear the image of the liberators.
Putin echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the sacrifices made by the peoples of both countries in the Second World War should never be forgotten.
“We develop our ties for the good of our people; they are not directed against anyone,” Putin said, according to TASS. “Our relations are equal and mutually beneficial and don’t depend on the current situation.”
Putin also expressed eagerness to reciprocate Xi’s visit by attending commemorations in Beijing next year marking the 80th anniversary of victory over militarist Japan.
A Strategic Alliance for a New Era
Xi and Putin signed a joint statement on further deepening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, a diplomatic document outlining key principles and shared goals. More than 20 bilateral cooperation agreements were signed across sectors including trade, energy, defense, and education.
A cornerstone of the joint declaration is the unequivocal defense of the victorious outcomes of WWII. The two nations vowed to resist efforts to distort wartime history or diminish the legacy of the Soviet and Chinese contributions. They condemned the destruction or defacement of war memorials and committed to preserving historical truth.
“The past teaches us vital lessons,” Xi said. “To build a peaceful future, we must first safeguard historical facts.”
According to Xinhua, this strategic alignment is more than symbolic. It supports robust and enduring cooperation in global governance, economics, and geopolitics—pivotal to shaping a “just and multipolar international order.”
Coordinated Push for Global Governance Reform
The deepening of China-Russia ties also reflects a joint effort to recalibrate global governance. Xi and Putin criticized what they described as the abuse of power politics, protectionism, and sanctions that undermine international norms.
Xi Jinping highlighted China’s continued role as a major driver of global economic growth. He described China as a strong defender of the multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO). Xi pledged to work closely with Russia to maintain resilient and transparent supply chains. He also promised to strengthen cooperation through platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
In Putin’s assessment, the shared vision for global reform reflects a deepening consensus in the developing world. “More and more countries support our efforts to build a multipolar system of international relations,” he noted.
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Reaffirming Historical Legacy
The visit carried heavy historical symbolism, with both leaders placing strong emphasis on WWII legacy and the enduring friendship forged in its aftermath.
Xi’s participation in the 80th anniversary celebration of the Soviet Union’s victory is a nod to shared suffering and resistance against fascism. The Chinese president stressed that this legacy has shaped the post-war international order and continues to be a source of unity between Beijing and Moscow.
“The cooperation and mutual support during the anti-fascist war laid a deep foundation for today’s China-Russia relationship,” Xi said.
According to Xinhua, this focus on shared historical memory reinforces the legitimacy and strength of the contemporary partnership.
Expert Perspectives: Stability, Symbolism, and Strategy
Chinese and Russian experts have widely interpreted Xi’s visit as a moment of strategic and symbolic significance.
Dr. Maksim Vilisov, a researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences, told the Global Times that the visit underscores not just bilateral goodwill, but also long-term prospects.
“This is a very symbolic visit, taking place at a crucial historical juncture. It marks the stability of mutual relations and the broad prospects of their development,” he said.
Pavel V. Troshchinskiy, a researcher at the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia, also noted the strategic implications. “China and Russia’s adherence to international law and the UN Charter is increasingly respected worldwide. Their cooperation is a pillar of global strategic stability,” he told the Global Times.
A Shared View on Multilateralism
Xi and Putin reiterated their opposition to hegemonism and efforts to impose values or political systems by force. Their call for multilateralism reflects a broader dissatisfaction with what they view as Western dominance in global institutions.
Cui Heng, a researcher at the China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, said the lessons of WWII compel the defense of sovereignty and equality.
“Only resolute struggle in the face of foreign aggression can earn national dignity and global respect,” Cui said. “The UN-based world order must be upheld.”
Li Haidong, professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, echoed these views. “China-Russia ties stand out amid global uncertainty. They’re shaping a more balanced international system that reflects the aspirations of the Global South.”
Strategic Milestones and Future Outlook
This summit marks more than just a ceremonial anniversary. It signals the maturing of a bilateral relationship that has evolved from historical ties into a modern strategic partnership.
According to Xinhua, Xi and Putin have met over 40 times across various summits, forums, and state visits. These frequent interactions have cultivated a personal rapport and strategic alignment that increasingly influences global affairs.
China and Russia are expected to enhance military-technical cooperation, coordinate foreign policy at the UN and other multilateral institutions, and pursue joint infrastructure and energy projects.
While both leaders carefully maintain that their partnership is not directed “against any third party,” analysts in the West see the alliance as a counterweight to the influence of the United States, European Union, and NATO.
Cautious Reactions from the West
Western governments have responded cautiously to the summit, with officials expressing concern over the deepening China-Russia nexus amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly related to the war in Ukraine.
The U.S. State Department issued a brief statement reiterating the importance of upholding international law and the sovereignty of nations. Analysts noted that while the summit did not result in any dramatic announcements, its long-term implications are significant.
“It’s not about dramatic shifts, but about structural alignment. China and Russia are building a platform to shape norms, institutions, and alliances for the future,” said Dr. Elizabeth White, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Conclusion: A Stable, Strategic, and Symbolic Partnership
Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow and his summit with Vladimir Putin signal a watershed moment in China-Russia relations—defined by shared history, mutual respect, and converging strategic goals.
From honoring the sacrifices of WWII to confronting modern geopolitical challenges, Beijing and Moscow are deepening a partnership that positions them as architects of an emerging multipolar world order.
As the global balance of power continues to shift, the China-Russia alliance is expected to remain a key pillar in international affairs, shaping not just the immediate regional dynamics in Eurasia, but also the broader trajectory of global governance.
Whether this alliance challenges or complements the existing world order will largely depend on how the rest of the international community engages with what has now become one of the most consequential bilateral relationships of the 21st century.
