Russian President Vladimir Putin finished a two-day trip to China on Friday, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries and his personal rapport with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as they aimed to provide an alternative to U.S. global influence.
During his visit, Putin commended the increase in bilateral trade and visited a China-Russia Expo in Harbin. He also met with students at the Harbin Institute of Technology, known for its defense research and collaboration with the People’s Liberation Army.
Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province in China, has historical ties to Russian expatriates, reflected in landmarks like the St. Sophia Cathedral, a former Russian Orthodox church.
Highlighting the personal aspect of their relationship, Putin announced plans for a joint school with his alma mater, St. Petersburg State University, and the Harbin institute, catering to 1,500 students. He hailed it as a symbol of Russian-Chinese cooperation in science and education.
Addressing reporters, Putin described his discussions with Xi as “substantive,” noting the extensive time they spent together in Beijing. Before departing, the two leaders shared an embrace.
Putin emphasized that the China-Russia partnership is not adversarial but aimed at mutual development and the well-being of their peoples, indirectly critiquing the West’s stance. He also hinted at a “multipolar world” taking shape, a subtle dig at those opposing the Moscow-Beijing alliance.
Both countries have frequently referenced the concept of an “emerging multipolar world” in response to perceived U.S. hegemony. Xi echoed this sentiment, describing the China-Russia relationship as a model of new international relations and good-neighborly ties between major nations.
In response to Putin’s visit, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu urged continued support for Ukraine to send a signal that democracies stand together. Wu expressed concerns that a Ukrainian defeat could embolden China in the Indo-Pacific region, with dire consequences for the global community.
The trip, coinciding with Putin’s fifth term and Xi’s third, exemplified the solidarity between two major authoritarian powers supporting each other’s expansionist agendas amid global isolation for Russia and U.S.-China tensions.
Putin began the day by honoring fallen Soviet soldiers in Harbin from the Sino-Japanese war era, highlighting the historical ties between Russia and China. He stressed the importance of joint technological development at the trade exhibition.
A joint statement underscored their shared world view and critiqued U.S. military alliances in Asia-Pacific. The meeting reaffirmed the close relationship between China and Russia, established just before the Ukraine invasion.
Despite calls for peace, Russia’s actions in Ukraine’s northeastern border area intensified the conflict. China’s peace plan from last year faced rejection for its failure to demand Russia’s withdrawal from occupied Ukrainian territories.
Amid Western sanctions post-invasion, Russia has turned to China for technology and imports, while China benefits from Russian energy exports. The deepening Moscow-Beijing ties offer strategic advantages amid tensions with the West.
Experts suggest that even if China were to scale back support for Russia, the West’s view of China as a competitor is unlikely to change significantly. Xi and Putin maintain a tradition of annual visits, underscoring the enduring nature of their partnership.