Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the strong partnership between China and Russia, describing their relationship as moving "hand in hand on the right path," according to the official Chinese news agency Xinhua. This statement comes months after the two nations deepened their "new era strategic partnership" on key global issues.
The strengthening of China-Russia ties reflects a shared stance against the United States and other mutual concerns such as Taiwan and Ukraine. As two major global powers, their partnership has significant geopolitical implications, potentially shaping the balance of power in international relations.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22, 2024. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko / POOL / AFP)
Xi Jinping stresses strong China-Russia partnership, shared geopolitical goals
Russia's President Vladimir Putin meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22, 2024. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko / POOL / AFP)
Key points
Strengthened bilateral ties
Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in May 2024 to enhance cooperation on mutual priorities, including their stance on Taiwan, the war in Ukraine, and relations with the United States.
Xi praised the trust and strategic coordination between the two nations in his New Year’s exchange with Putin.
Xi’s planned visit to Russia
Russia’s state-run RIA news agency reported that Xi plans to visit Russia in 2025.
The visit will follow Xi’s 2023 trip to the Kremlin, where he was warmly received as a "dear friend" after securing a historic third term as China’s president.
Future cooperation
Xi highlighted the potential for China-Russia cooperation to unlock new opportunities for development.
This partnership has already expanded across various fields, signaling a deepening alignment between the two countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China February 4, 2022. Sputnik/Aleksey Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.
FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China February 4, 2022. Sputnik/Aleksey Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS
Broader implications
The evolving China-Russia partnership may be a deliberate alignment against the West, particularly the United States. Their cooperation on sensitive issues such as Taiwan and Ukraine underscores their shared intent to challenge Western influence and advocate for a multipolar world order.
What’s next
Xi’s planned visit to Russia in 2025 will likely reinforce this partnership further. The continued collaboration between the two nations could introduce new dynamics in global politics, particularly as they address shared rivalries and mutual interests. The trajectory of this alliance will remain a critical factor in the geopolitics of the coming years.