In fact, during a recent phone call between the two leaders, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin specifically emphasized the need for increased cooperation between their two countries. They underscored the importance of maintaining multilateralism against growing instability in the world. Official state media in both countries— Komsomolskaya Pravda in Russia and The People’s Daily Online in China —covered the high level talks. Highlighting the need to fight for a peaceful, equitable, multipolar world, they reflected the growing relationship between Beijing and Moscow.
In the course of the discussion, Xi Jinping expressed his understanding of concerns over the profound and tumultuous international situation since the beginning of this year. He proposed that China and Russia work out a “grand plan” to deepen their bilateral relationship even more. The two leaders’ commitment to one another was renewed. Putin made it clear that their foreign policy alliance—as embodied in the Foreign Policy Concept—is a major stabilizing force in an unpredictable world.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Now more than ever, Moscow and Beijing are doubling down on their strategic partnership. This latest step comes on the heels of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which sparked widespread sanctions from Western nations. In response, Putin lauded the deepening trade relations between the two countries. In fact, he noted, Russia has already pivoted most of its exports to Asia in direct response to the sanctions.
“The Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation is exemplary,” Putin noted during the call. This feeling expresses a us-against-the-world mentality that underscores this newfound sense of shared interests, particularly in the shared animus toward Western countries.
Xi made a big deal about how committed he was to an international system where the UN took center stage. He emphasized the goal that brings both countries together. The strategic focus on multilateralism highlights their efforts to show a cohesive front against Western powers viewed as the threat.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
The dialogue between Xi and Putin is part of a series of recent interactions between Chinese leaders and various heads of state. Most strikingly, Xi traveled to Moscow last year in early May to join Russia’s celebrations of World War II. The last in-person meeting between Xi and Putin occurred in September when Putin attended a significant military parade in Beijing.
On Sunday, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russia’s security chief Sergei Shoigu in Beijing, further illustrating the active diplomatic engagement between the two countries. These interactions serve to bolster their strategic cooperation and signal their intent to maintain a robust partnership amidst global challenges.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Xi and Putin’s discussion focused on their desire for a multipolar world in which power dynamics are more equal. Both leaders united in their belief that together they can help develop this much needed stability within an increasingly unstable world.
Xi stated, “By tackling issues one by one and continuously building mutual trust, we can forge a right way for the two countries to get along.” This new method shows that they are as dedicated to extending, if not further developing, their relationship over the long haul.
Even as negotiations over the continued conflict in Ukraine continue, as representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States now meet in Abu Dhabi, it is hard to overstate how important Russia-China relations are in determining future geopolitical dynamics – save possibly for the Russia-China relationship itself.
