In a significant meeting held in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed that his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping has reached an “unprecedented level.” This gathering took place on the eve of a grand military parade, marking a pivotal moment in both nations’ diplomatic relations.
Putin characterized Xi as a “dear friend,” while Chinese state media highlighted the exemplary nature of the bilateral ties. The discussions included plans for Russia to boost its gas supplies to China, while Beijing announced a year-long trial offering visa-free travel to Russian citizens.
Strengthening alliances amid international tensions
As Xi prepares to host North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the meeting is perceived as a show of solidarity among nations facing international scrutiny, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. On Wednesday, Xi will oversee China’s largest military parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War Two.
This gathering follows Xi’s recent visit to Moscow for Russia’s own celebrations commemorating the defeat of Nazi forces. Both Russia and North Korea are increasingly reliant on China to support their respective economies. The meetings serve to illustrate Xi’s growing influence at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump seeks negotiations with Putin to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
During their discussions at the Great Hall of the People, Putin refrained from directly addressing the war in Ukraine, instead stating that he and Xi had exchanged views on various issues of mutual interest.
“Dear friend, both I and the entire Russian delegation are pleased to meet once again with our Chinese friends and colleagues,”
Putin remarked, emphasizing the strategic significance of the Russia-China relationship, which he claimed is stronger than ever. He added,
“We were always together then, and we remain together now.”
Global power dynamics and military cooperation
In response, Xi indicated that the “China-Russia relations have withstood the test of international changes,” expressing Beijing’s willingness to collaborate with Moscow in promoting a more equitable global governance framework. This week’s discussions come as Xi aims to showcase China’s position as a formidable international player, striving not only to be recognized as the world’s second-largest economy but also as a significant diplomatic force.
While the prospect of a peace deal between Trump and Putin remains uncertain, Xi’s reception of Putin in Beijing underscores the deepening bond between their nations. The two leaders have previously described their alliance as a “friendship with no limits.” In an effort to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions imposed due to the Ukraine conflict, Russia is betting on increased gas exports to China and other nations.
Recent reports indicate that once all pipeline projects are operational, the volume of gas transported from Russia to China could reach 106 billion cubic meters, though this figure remains substantially lower than pre-war exports to the European Union.
China’s foreign ministry announced the trial extension of visa-free travel for Russian passport holders, which will commence on September 15. This move is seen as part of the broader strategy to strengthen ties between the two nations.
At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, both Xi and Putin criticized Western governments, with Putin defending Russia’s actions in Ukraine and blaming Western powers for instigating the conflict. Xi called on SCO members to “oppose Cold War thinking, bloc confrontation and bullying behaviour,” emphasizing the need for unity among member states.
Kim Jong Un is also set to attend the military parade, marking his first multilateral international engagement since assuming leadership. The significance of his presence is highlighted by the historical context; it is the first time in decades that a North Korean leader has participated in a Chinese military parade, reminiscent of Kim Il-Sung’s attendance in 1959.
Despite the significance of these events, most Western leaders are unlikely to attend the parade, given their stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has led to widespread sanctions against Putin’s regime. China, however, has refrained from criticizing Russia’s actions and has faced allegations of indirectly supporting Russia’s military efforts through various means, including the supply of dual-use materials and the purchase of Russian oil. Reports suggest that Kim has also provided military support, including troops, to assist Russia’s endeavors in Ukraine.