Putin and Xi: The Russian-Chinese alliance is a global stabilizing factor
In a move reflecting the depth of the growing strategic partnership between the two superpowers, Russian President Vladimir Putin of China on Wednesday as a key "stabilizing factor" in the current international landscape. This came during a significant video conference with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, where the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
The Kremlin quoted Putin as stressing the importance of this bilateral axis, saying: “In light of escalating global turmoil, the alliance between Moscow and Beijing remains an important factor for stability,” expressing Russia’s full readiness to continue close coordination with the Chinese side on all pressing issues at the global and regional levels.
Strategic partnership defies sanctions
These talks come to crown an upward trajectory of bilateral relations that have witnessed qualitative leaps since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war in February 2022. China has become an indispensable economic partner for Russia in the face of unprecedented Western sanctions, with trade between the two countries rising to record levels, as Moscow increasingly relies on Chinese markets for energy exports and imports of technology and consumer goods.
Observers believe this rapprochement is not a recent development, but rather the embodiment of a shared vision aimed at creating a multipolar world order that breaks the unipolar hegemony of the United States and its Western allies. Moscow and Beijing are working in remarkable harmony in international forums, such as the Security Council and the BRICS group, to bolster their global political and economic influence.
New prospects for diplomatic and military cooperation
This phone call followed intensive meetings between senior diplomats from both countries, which concluded that Russian-Chinese relations are poised to reach “new heights” this year. This cooperation extends beyond the economic sphere to include military and security coordination, with the two countries conducting regular joint military exercises, a development that has raised concerns in Western capitals.
The two leaders exchanged New Year's greetings, a symbolic sign of continued warmth in relations. They also met previously in Beijing last September, coinciding with China's celebrations of the anniversary of victory in World War II, reflecting the historical and political alignment between the two regimes.
International context and the Ukrainian crisis
These talks are doubly important given the highly sensitive timeframe, as reports of intensified diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine continue to surface. While the United States suggests a potential agreement is imminent, Russia is seeking to secure the support of its powerful Chinese ally to bolster its negotiating position or its military strength on the ground.
While China officially maintains a neutral stance and calls for a peaceful solution, its continued emphasis on the strength of relations with Russia sends a clear message to the West that isolating Moscow internationally is no longer a viable option, and that the Eastern axis has become a significant factor in the equation of international security and peace.
