Putin-Xi Summit
Putin-Xi Summit
Against a backdrop of pageantry and historical symbolism, Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a four-day state visit to Russia on May 10, 2025. The summit, his eleventh to Russia as President, was more than a routine diplomatic exchange. Timed with Russia's celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in World War II, the meeting between Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrated their deepening "comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era." As the world deals with the war in Ukraine, US-China trade disputes, and geopolitical shifts, the Moscow summit highlighted an assertive Sino-Russian axis aiming to reshape the global order.
The visit's importance was clear from the moment Xi's aircraft, escorted by Russian fighter jets, landed in Moscow on May 7. A grand welcome ceremony underscored the significance Moscow placed on its guest. In his arrival statement, Xi spoke of enduring friendship, describing China and Russia as "good neighbors... true friends... and good partners" who have "successfully found the right way for big, neighboring countries to get along." This set the stage for discussions and agreements to solidify their alignment.
Linking the summit to the 80th anniversary of the WWII victory is key to their joint narrative. Both nations suffered immense losses during the conflict and frame their partnership through this shared struggle. This historical interpretation aims to bolster domestic support and appeal to a global audience wary of Western narratives, while also providing a perceived moral basis for challenging the current international order, which they describe as dominated by Western "hegemonism" and "neo-Nazism" – Moscow's framing of the Ukraine conflict. For Xi, making Russia his most visited nation signals a significant strategic investment as China faces external pressures, particularly from the US. Russia offers Beijing strategic depth, resources, and a partner in challenging American influence.
Kremlin Welcome: Pageantry and Ties
The summit's formal proceedings were designed to project unity. On May 8, the Grand Kremlin Palace hosted intensive discussions, with both leaders engaging in small-group and larger talks covering strategic cooperation, historical legacy, and global governance. President Putin welcomed President Xi at St. George's Hall.
The main event was the signing of the "Joint Statement on Further Deepening the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for a New Era on the Occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the Founding of the United Nations." This document, along with over 20 other bilateral agreements, outlines their future relationship. Joint press appearances reinforced messages of solidarity.
An informal "tea chat" at the Kremlin on May 8 provided a more intimate setting. Xi reportedly emphasized that "no force can stop the two countries from achieving national development and revitalization," while Putin reiterated their "unbreakable friendship."
The atmosphere was one of cultivated warmth, with both leaders often calling each other a "dear friend." Xi described the Sino-Russian relationship as "more composed, confident, stable and resilient in the new era," while Putin praised their ties as having reached the "highest level in history, being self-sufficient and independent."
The symbolic peak was Xi Jinping's attendance as "guest of honour" at the Victory Day Parade on Red Square on May 9. The sight of the Chinese leader with Putin, observing Russian military hardware and the participation of a People's Liberation Army (PLA) honor guard – the largest foreign contingent – was a powerful message. This pageantry aimed to showcase defiance against Western pressure and project Russia and China as anchors of an alternative global order. The presence of other world leaders, reportedly around 29, including Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was highlighted by Moscow as evidence against Western attempts to isolate Russia. Their rhetoric consistently contrasted their "partnership" with alleged Western "unilateralism" and "hegemony."
The emphasis on the personal rapport between Putin and Xi – who, according to Putin, "personally control all aspects of Russia-China partnership" – suggests a dynamic that enables a deeper strategic alignment. This personal commitment, rooted in a shared worldview, can drive policy convergence. However, it also means the relationship's strength could be overly reliant on these two individuals.
Pacts for a "New Era"
The May 2025 Moscow summit was significant for both its symbolism and the breadth of agreements signed. The "Joint Statement on Further Deepening the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for a New Era" is the foundational document, articulating their shared worldview. Xi described the relationship as one between "good neighbors... true friends... good partners," with a "distinct historical logic" and "strong endogenous driving force" that "does not target any third party." Putin called the ties "self-sufficient and independent" and at their "highest level in history."
Table 1: Key Agreements
Political and security cooperation is paramount. Both nations stressed their "identical or highly aligned positions" on critical issues. Their Joint Statement on Global Strategic Stability calls on nuclear-weapon states to reject "Cold War mentality," condemns military alliance expansion near other nuclear states, and criticizes the US "Golden (Iron) Dome for America" missile defense program as "deeply destabilizing." They also opposed space weaponization.
The Joint Declaration on Further Strengthening Cooperation to Uphold the Authority of International Law reaffirms commitment to the UN Charter, sovereign equality, and non-intervention, while opposing unilateral sanctions.
Economically, ambitions are vast. Bilateral trade hit $245 billion in 2024, with aims for "significant progress" by 2030, focusing on high-tech products and e-commerce. Around 90 priority investment projects, valued at about $200 billion, are underway. A new investment protection agreement was signed. A key strategy is de-dollarization; officials stated nearly all trade is now in rubles and yuan, creating a system "shielded from the influence of third countries."
Energy cooperation is a bedrock. The Power of Siberia gas pipeline is at full capacity, and the Far Eastern Gas Pipeline (2027) will add 10 billion cubic meters to exports. Peaceful nuclear energy cooperation continues. However, the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline remained without a formal agreement, reportedly due to pricing and routing disagreements.
Transport and logistics are key, with plans for international corridors, railway upgrades (Trans-Siberian, Baikal-Amur), and the Northern Sea Route. Efforts to link China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) continue.
Technological cooperation will deepen, with agreements on AI, aerospace, and agriculture. A landmark accord involves building a lunar power station for the joint International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). China backs installing a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2035. Further agreements cover "megascience research facilities" like the Nika accelerator complex, and cooperation in the digital economy and biosecurity.
Cultural and humanitarian exchanges are promoted, with 2024-2025 as Cross-Years of Russian and Chinese Culture, featuring about 150 events. Educational ties are strong, with tens of thousands of students studying in each other's countries.
Geopolitics
The Moscow summit is heavily influenced by the Ukraine war. While China claims neutrality, it has backed Moscow's narrative that Russia was provoked by Western expansionism and provides economic support. China reportedly supplies components for Russian weapons. The joint statement noted Russia "positively evaluates" China's position and both agree on eliminating the "root causes" of the conflict. Putin lauded China's "objective and impartial position," while Xi reiterated that "legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously."
Russia's support for the "one-China principle" regarding Taiwan is crucial for Beijing.
A dominant theme was countering perceived Western, particularly US, dominance, with condemnations of "hegemony," "bullying," and "unilateralism." NATO expansion was also criticized. This "anti-hegemony" stance aims to provide an ideological basis for their partnership and rally other nations.
Internal drivers are also significant. For Russia, facing sanctions, the China partnership is vital for new markets and projecting influence. Putin's domestic legitimacy is linked to Russia's global power image. For China, the alliance secures resources, partners against US pressure, and aids global influence via initiatives like the BRI. Xi's goal of "national rejuvenation" sees a strong Russia partnership as key.
Alignment and Ambition
The February 2022 "no limits" partnership declaration set a dramatic tone. While this exact phrasing is less prominent, cooperation has deepened. The May 2025 summit reaffirms this, emphasizing a "comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era" that is "mature and resilient." The shift from broad declarations to specific, long-term agreements indicates a more structured partnership.
Table 2: Evolution of Stated Positions (2022-2025)
Despite unity, complexities exist. Russia is increasingly the junior economic partner, more dependent on China. This asymmetry is reportedly a source of "Kremlin's resentment." China remains cautious about secondary sanctions and pursues its own interests, like the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, bypassing Russia.
Expert commentary reflects these nuances. Brookings suggests Xi's visit highlights China's vulnerabilities; aligning with Putin risks China's image. Beijing's ideal is a Russia strong enough to challenge the West but dependent enough to stay in China's orbit. The Lowy Institute notes the summit projects multipolarity but the attending leaders don't form a coherent alliance. Euromaidan Press sees an "anti-American enclave," while CEPA describes an "indispensable but uneasy" relationship.
Beijing leverages Russia as a strategic bulwark and resource base while managing risks. The shared WWII history narrative, while unifying them against the West, risks alienating nations with different historical interpretations.
Global Reactions
The Moscow summit has caused varied international reactions. Washington and G7 allies likely view it with alarm, seeing an authoritarian axis undermining democratic values. Concerns persist about China's support for Russia's war effort and US-China trade conflicts. The G7 has affirmed support for Kyiv and discussed further "costs on Russia."
EU and NATO members criticized the alignment, especially regarding Ukraine and NATO expansion. The summit may bolster EU efforts to de-risk from China and reduce energy dependence on Russia. Some European Parliament members reportedly planned to attend Russia's Victory Day, signaling internal divisions. The UK condemned the deepening ties.
Among BRICS nations, views vary. Brazil's Lula attended Victory Day, reflecting Brazil's strategy of maintaining ties with Russia and China while championing multilateralism. India, with defense and energy links to Russia and tensions with China, will likely continue its strategic autonomy. South Africa generally aligns with calls for multipolarity.
For the "Global South," the partnership is complex. Moscow and Beijing court these nations, framing their alliance as supportive of developing countries. Many may find this appealing, but risk entanglement in great power competition.
Regionally, implications are significant. On the Korean Peninsula, the joint call to end sanctions and "military pressure" against North Korea challenges US efforts and could embolden Pyongyang, despite Beijing's concerns about Russia's deepening pact with North Korea. Japan likely views the anti-Western rhetoric with apprehension. In Central Asia, both powers seek to consolidate influence.
The summit's anti-Western posture will likely sharpen global geopolitical polarization, potentially hardening blocs and reducing international cooperation. The emphasis on non-Western platforms like BRICS and SCO signals a strategy to bolster these as counterweights to Western-dominated bodies.
Looking Ahead
The May 2025 Moscow summit will have a lasting impact, solidifying a more assertive Sino-Russian axis. De-dollarization efforts and alternative financial systems are likely to accelerate. Joint technological commitments in space, AI, and missile systems could fuel new arms races.
Unstated objectives were also at play. For China, the summit reinforced Russia's role as a strategic partner absorbing Western pressure, while Beijing manages risks and advances its leadership aspirations. Beijing is also reportedly wary of a potential Trump-Putin-Kim triangle. For Russia, securing China's long-term backing is crucial for its economy, war effort, and demonstrating failed Western isolation.
Ties will likely continue deepening, with China increasingly dominant due to economic asymmetry. This partnership will be a defining feature of 21st-century geopolitics, challenging Western interests. Its durability hinges on a perceived mutual threat from the West and leadership continuity.
The "multipolar world" they envision may not be more pluralistic. Their governance models and selective application of principles like "sovereign equality" suggest a world of major power spheres of influence, potentially at the expense of universal human rights and democratic norms.
Conclusion
The summit delivered a clear message: Moscow and Beijing are actively seeking to shape global events, challenging the post-Cold War order and championing a "just and equitable" multipolar world. The Sino-Russian axis is a tangible geopolitical reality with profound implications.
