Strengthening Ties: Putin and Xi Forge Unprecedented Alliance Before Military Parade in Beijing

On Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin conveyed to his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, that the ties between their nations have reached an «unprecedented level» during their meeting in Beijing, which preceded a major military parade.

The parade, taking place on Wednesday to mark 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War II, will see the attendance of over two dozen heads of state, including North Korea’s Kim Jong-un. Reports from South Korean officials indicate that Kim is likely to engage in separate discussions with both Putin and Xi.

While addressing the Chinese president, Putin referenced historical alliances to highlight the wartime cooperation between Moscow and Beijing. «We were united back then, and we continue to stand together now,» he remarked, noting that the frequent communication between them signifies the «strategic essence» of their partnership.

In comments aired on television, Xi stated that «China-Russia relations have endured the trials of international changes,» expressing Beijing’s willingness to collaborate with Moscow to advocate for a «fairer and more rational» global system.

On the same day, Putin conversed with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, whose remarks opposing aid to Ukraine and efforts to reduce Russian energy imports have sparked discontent among other European leaders. During their discussion, Putin suggested that Slovakia should halt energy supplies to Ukraine in retaliation for the Ukrainian drone strikes on the Druzhba pipeline, essential for its Russian oil imports.

Both leaders have taken the opportunity of the gathering in China to intensify their critique of the West. At the summit on Monday, Xi criticized what he referred to as «bullying behavior,» a clear nod towards Washington. Meanwhile, Putin defended Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine and accused Western governments of exacerbating the situation.

Their discussions took place amidst reports from Russian state media that Gazprom had finalized new agreements with China’s national energy firm to increase gas supplies by around 15%. The two nations also reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger energy partnership, part of the «limitless» relationship they proclaimed in early 2022, shortly before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

China has maintained a stance of neutrality regarding Moscow’s invasion, presenting itself as a mediator while blaming the West for prolonging the war by supplying arms to Kyiv. In contrast, Western nations view China as facilitating Russia’s military campaign, citing its purchases of discounted Russian energy and technology exchanges that have mitigated the impact of sanctions.

North Korea has taken a more explicit stand, openly aligning with Moscow and reportedly sending troops to fight in Ukraine, according to South Korean intelligence. Estimates suggest that approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives in the conflict.