Russia-China ties ‘stabilising’ force in world, Putin says before Xi talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has described his country’s relationship with China as a “stabilising” force on the world stage ahead of his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The depth and breadth of their economic cooperation are undeniable, but the true nature of this partnership remains unclear: is it a carefully calibrated alliance aimed at countering Western influence or a genuine attempt to build a new axis of power in global affairs?

Moscow’s ties with Beijing have developed rapidly over the past few years, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Putin has acknowledged that their coordination efforts on international law and the principles of the UN Charter are more pronounced than ever before. The economic benefits are also significant: two-way trade between the two nations has more than doubled from 2020 to 2024, reaching $245 billion. This is largely due to Russia’s reliance on Chinese imports – machinery, vehicles, and electrical equipment – which provide a vital lifeline amidst international sanctions.

While Putin’s praise for China-Russia ties may be genuine, it also serves a strategic purpose: to demonstrate Moscow’s continued relevance in world affairs despite its increasing isolation. The visit comes after Xi’s summit with US President Donald Trump, which yielded few concrete agreements. This timing is no coincidence – Putin and Xi are using their meeting to send a message to Washington that they will not be dictated to.

The implications of this partnership extend far beyond the Moscow-Beijing axis itself. It marks a significant shift in global power dynamics, with Russia and China positioning themselves as a counterbalance to US influence. As Alexander Korolev, a senior lecturer in international relations at UNSW in Australia, noted, this alliance demonstrates Beijing’s foreign policy agency – it is not beholden to others’ preferences.

This partnership highlights the need for a reevaluation of Western policies towards Russia and China. Rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive adversaries, we should be working towards a more nuanced understanding of their relationships with each other – and with us. Putin’s visit to Beijing makes clear that these dynamics are far from static; they are being constantly recalibrated in response to shifting global circumstances.

The world will be watching closely as Putin and Xi engage in their talks this week. The stakes are high, not just for Russia and China, but for the entire international order. Will we see a genuine attempt at cooperation or merely another exercise in strategic posturing? Only time – and the outcome of these talks – will tell.

Despite the rhetoric surrounding their partnership, its limits are already becoming apparent. There is no indication that Russia and China have resolved their differences on key issues such as Taiwan or Iran. The elephant in the room remains Ukraine: despite Moscow’s claims of commitment to international law, its invasion of Ukraine remains a contentious issue.

Moreover, this partnership raises questions about accountability – who will be held responsible if either Russia or China fails to uphold their commitments? In the absence of clear mechanisms for dispute resolution, the risk of miscalculation and escalation is ever-present. This is particularly worrisome given the rising tensions between the US and its allies on one side, and Moscow-Beijing axis on the other.

The outcome of Putin’s visit to Beijing will be a critical test of this partnership. If we see concrete agreements on key issues and a genuine attempt at cooperation, then perhaps this alliance is more than just a calculated gamble. However, if history is any guide, we should be cautious about getting too excited – grand partnerships have often failed to deliver in the past.

In the end, it’s clear that Putin’s visit to Beijing is about more than just bilateral cooperation. It’s a signal to Washington that Moscow-Beijing axis will no longer be dictated to – and a reminder to the rest of us that global power dynamics are constantly shifting. As we watch this drama unfold, one thing is certain: the outcome will have far-reaching implications for world politics as we know it.