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The Russia-China strategic partnership gains historical significance
«Our talks with the President of the People’s Republic of China were traditionally warm, friendly, constructive, highly substantive, and productive», said Vladimir Putin in his final statement to the press.
Specifically, during the Chinese leader’s visit to Russia from May 7–10, the two leaders discussed a wide range of international and bilateral issues and signed a comprehensive package of documents. These included statements of a global nature, such as a declaration on deepening the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation that has entered a new era and a statement on strategic stability.
Perhaps the most significant outcome, however, was the reaffirmation of unity in views regarding fundamental global issues and the deepening of the Russia-China strategic partnership «under new circumstances». China describes these «new circumstances» as anything related to the policies of the new U.S. administration. Xi Jinping emphasized once again that resolving the Ukrainian crisis and ensuring European security requires addressing the root causes and taking Moscow’s concerns into account.
The Chinese president’s reception as a «special guest» in Moscow demonstrated Russia’s leadership’s firm adherence to the established principles of the strategic partnership with China, which they are unwilling to exchange for promises from Washington. This sentiment was echoed by Xi Jinping himself.
This thought was reflected prominently in the speeches of the Russian and Chinese leaders, who spoke about continuing the mutual assistance that existed during World War II, as well as China’s resistance against Japanese aggression. The joint Victory Day celebrations essentially imbued their relationship with deeper meaning.
Those who suspect propaganda exaggeration should consider the reaction of the French newspaper Le Monde, which certainly cannot be accused of sympathizing with Russia. «Eighty years after the end of World War II, two Europes face each other at the center of chaos dominated by others. Russian-Chinese relations are in excellent shape. Moreover, Donald Trump’s strategy aimed at weakening China — an obsession of his — is, for now, strengthening the position of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Unlike the impatient Trump, seasoned autocrats Xi and Putin know exactly where they’re headed and play a long game».
Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow at such a critical moment was not only evidence of the Russia-China alliance, but also a signal to the more than 25 leaders of other countries who attended the Victory Day Parade. Russia and China effectively demonstrated their readiness to lead a new anti-fascist coalition despite any threats or pressure.
The American newspaper The Washington Post wrote the following about it: «On Friday, as Russian tanks, missiles, and drones rolled through Red Square during the annual Victory Day parade commemorating the surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II, President Vladimir Putin was joined by at least two dozen world leaders, marking a personal victory for a leader whom the West had sought to isolate». In an extensive analytical article titled «China’s Xi stands with Putin against international ‘bullying’», with the subheading «The Trump administration has said it wants to pull apart Russia and China, but the two countries need each other too much», the Washington Post offered candid assessments of Washington’s failed policy. The American newspaper accurately noted that «Xi Jinping and Putin pledged to resist U.S. efforts at ‘dual containment’ of Russia and China, promising to ‘firmly oppose the imposition of hostile approaches towards Russia and China’». Although China claims neutrality in Russia’s war against Ukraine, Xi Jinping’s presence at the Victory Day military parade sent a powerful signal underscoring the importance of Chinese trade to Russia’s military efforts. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army honor guard was among the foreign military contingents participating in Friday’s parade. The newspaper argued that Trump’s policies toward Russia and China have driven the two countries closer together, further undermining the U.S.-centric global order.
There will undoubtedly be skeptics who question China’s reliability as an ally, claiming that the Chinese are crafty and pursue their own interests. Yet, despite Trump’s threats and Zelensky’s hysteria, Xi Jinping — along with Vucic and Fico — arrived in Moscow and accomplished a remarkable feat. He demonstrated that the strategic alliance with Russia transcends Trump’s mercantile calculations and that China is willing to sacrifice for this alliance.
We don’t know what Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin discussed in private, nor should we. Publicly, on May 9, they displayed complete unanimity.
Before Xi Jinping’s visit, the Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta published his article, «Lessons from the Past for the Sake of the Future». Such publications before official meetings have become customary, and many probably only read the title and dismissed it as mere protocol. However, in the article, China’s leader addressed the fundamental principles of Chinese-Russian strategic cooperation, which were cemented by bloodshed during World War II. Today, it is also based on resisting power politics aimed at domination at the expense of other countries’ interests and the idea of certain nations’ superiority. «Chinese-Russian relations have a clear historical logic, strong internal momentum, and rich cultural roots», Xi wrote. «They are not directed against third parties and are immune to external influence. Both sides should jointly resist attempts to undermine the friendship and mutual trust between China and Russia. They should not get distracted by momentary issues or temporary situations. Thus, they can play a stabilizing role in promoting global multipolarity and shaping a community of shared destiny for humanity».
Clearly, our countries’ interests have far more in common than differences. Xi Jinping calls for acknowledging this when sly offers aim to destroy our alliance and damage world interests. The China-Russia bond is a critical stabilizing factor in today’s global landscape. In his article, Xi reaffirmed the principles of our relationship in the current climate.
Russia knows little about China’s contribution to the fight against fascism. Yet the fact that 38 million Chinese lost their lives in the war against Japan speaks volumes. Japanese fascists committed horrific atrocities on Chinese soil, conducting experiments on people in concentration camps and carrying out mass killings of civilians. Xi is right to recall the mutual aid between our countries during World War II. China contributed significantly to our victory in the Great Patriotic War by containing the Japanese military and preventing Japan from attacking the USSR in the Far East. At a critical moment, Soviet commanders redeployed troops from the Far East to Moscow, ensuring the defeat of the Nazis near the capital.
China deeply respects the Soviet Union’s role in liberating the country from Japanese occupation. China maintains 83 graves and 71 memorials of Soviet soldiers. Unlike some former Soviet republics, China honors these graves and memorials. However, one should not expect or demand further acknowledgment of Russia’s merits at the expense of China’s contributions.
Before Xi’s visit, Russia’s Foreign Ministry officially announced President Putin’s upcoming trip to China for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan. Putin confirmed this with evident satisfaction. Thus, despite all challenges, our mutual assistance and partnership, deeply rooted, continues. In brief, this sums up Xi’s visit to Moscow.