This week, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Russia, quickly aligning himself closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a display of unity reminiscent of a diplomatic gala. The four-day visit featured military parades, joint declarations, and a clear signal to the United States: this alliance operates independently of U.S. influence, and they're unafraid to demonstrate it.
Xi was accompanied by nearly 30 other global leaders, but his presence was the key to giving Putin what he sought—evidence that Russia retains allies despite U.S. efforts to isolate it. Upon arrival, Xi and Putin stood side by side in one of the Kremlin’s grandest halls, reaffirming the “no-limits” partnership they first announced in 2022, just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both leaders emphasized the need for a new global power balance that doesn’t prioritize the U.S., with Putin describing their relationship as “equal and mutually beneficial” and Xi calling Putin an “old friend,” highlighting their “confident, stable, and resilient” ties.
Putin Leverages Parade to Showcase Global Support
During celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, Putin used heavy symbolism. Standing with Xi, he lauded the “sacred” victory over Nazi Germany, drawing parallels to his ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which he frames as a fight against modern fascism—a narrative widely rejected by Ukraine and much of the West. The Victory Day parade featured Chinese troops as the largest foreign contingent, alongside soldiers from Vietnam, Belarus, Laos, Mongolia, and Egypt.
Robert Tollast, a researcher at the Royal United Services Institute in London, noted that this display suggests both nations feel they have “nothing to lose.” The open alliance signals that Putin and Xi are done with diplomatic patience toward the U.S.
China Bolsters Russia Amid U.S. Pressure
With U.S. and EU sanctions straining Russia’s economy since 2022, Putin desperately needed this visit. Xi delivered support, as China—while claiming neutrality in the Ukraine conflict—purchases significant amounts of Russian oil and supplies components like microchips critical for Russia’s military. Xi described the China-Russia relationship as a “natural continuation” of historical ties, vowing to protect developing nations’ interests and promote “multipolar economic globalization.”
For Putin, the visit was also about domestic messaging, showing Russians he still has powerful allies. Stephen Hall, a politics lecturer at the University of Bath, said the presence of Xi and leaders from Latin America, Africa, and Asia helps Putin counter claims of isolation and maintain an image as a credible global player.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is navigating tensions with China while observing Xi and Putin’s growing closeness. At an event announcing a new U.K. trade deal, Trump suggested that tariffs on Chinese goods, some as high as 145%, could be reduced. He noted an upcoming U.S.-China trade meeting in Switzerland, calling it a “very friendly” and “elegant” opportunity.
Xi first referred to Putin as his “best friend” in 2019 during a Moscow state visit, saying, “Russia is the country I have visited the most, and President Putin is my best friend and colleague.” Putin has reciprocated, most recently calling Xi a “dear friend” during their May 2024 meeting in Beijing.