Xi Jinping-Putin summit a bold show of unity

At a high-stakes meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted their deepening alliance, presenting a united front against a world they see as increasingly polarized by American influence. The summit, marked by a major 7,000-word joint declaration, summarized their shared vision of global order, strategic partnership and mutual military cooperation, while subtly challenging the current US-led international framework. United.

The meeting between Xi Jinping and Putin on Thursday was not just a diplomatic engagement but a clear demonstration of their countries' alignment against the perceived hegemony of the United States. Their joint statement explicitly criticized US military alliances and interventions, describing them as sources of global instability. They pledged to counter what they called Washington's “destructive and hostile path,” focusing particularly on U.S. policy in Asia and the Middle East.

The leaders criticized US military support for its allies and condemned Washington's involvement in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, accusing it of exacerbating regional tensions. They called for an independent Palestinian state and reiterated their positions on other controversial issues, including Taiwan and North Korea, emphasizing their opposition to U.S. influence in those regions.

A significant part of the Xi-Putin summit focused on military cooperation, signaling a strong and potentially destabilizing alliance for Western powers. The two countries agreed to expand their joint military exercises and improve their combat readiness, carrying out regular joint maritime and air patrols. This commitment to military interoperability raises concerns about their combined ability to challenge U.S. military dominance.

Putin's entourage included senior Russian security officials, who engaged in discussions potentially related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The presence of new Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu underlined the strategic importance that Moscow attaches to its military ties with Beijing. Although it remains unclear whether Chinese defense officials participated in these talks, the inclusion of high-level security personnel underscores the military dimension of the Sino-Russian partnership.

China has reiterated its call for a political solution in Ukraine, although consistent with its public stance of neutrality, this does not mask underlying support for Russia. The discussions likely covered sensitive topics such as material support for Russia's defense industry, although Xi Jinping is careful to avoid openly crossing Western red lines by providing direct military aid.

Despite the significant rhetoric surrounding their partnership, the Beijing summit concluded with few concrete economic agreements. One notable absence was the finalized deal for the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, a major project that would bring Russian natural gas to China. This hesitation on Beijing's part reflects a cautious approach, balancing its support for Russia with a pragmatic assessment of its own economic interests and the broader geopolitical landscape.

Nonetheless, the leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation in energy sectors, including oil, liquefied natural gas, coal and electricity. They also agreed to strengthen industrial collaboration in areas such as civil aviation, electronics and shipbuilding. These commitments, although broad and somewhat vague, indicate a long-term strategy to deepen economic ties, strengthening their mutual dependence and strategic partnership.

The Xi Jinping-Putin summit in Beijing highlights a significant shift in global geopolitics. Their alignment represents a formidable challenge to the U.S.-led global order, emphasizing a multipolar world in which autocratic regimes can exert substantial influence. Their joint statement and military cooperation demonstrate a concerted effort to reshape international norms and alliances.

For Putin, the visit to Beijing was more than just a diplomatic mission; this was an attempt at economic and strategic support amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine and economic tension due to Western sanctions. Although it has not secured explicit military aid, strengthening Sino-Russian ties provide a crucial lifeline, helping Russia maintain its resilience in the face of international pressures.

For Xi, the partnership with Russia serves multiple strategic interests. This counters US influence, supports China's ambitions in the Global South and strengthens its position on controversial issues like Taiwan. However, Xi's cautious approach to deepening military support reflects a strategic balance, maintaining a strong partnership with Russia without provoking direct confrontation with the West.

The Xi Jinping-Putin meeting in Beijing demonstrates the changing dynamics of global politics. Their united front against the US-led order, commitment to military cooperation, and strategic economic engagements highlight the deepening Sino-Russian alliance. Although the summit produced few concrete agreements, the overall message was clear: Xi and Putin are determined to reshape the world order, presenting a formidable counterweight to Western influence. As this alliance strengthens, the implications for international stability and geopolitical alignments will be profound, signaling a new era of strategic competition and cooperation.