Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host Russian President Vladimir Putin in China on Thursday, marking Putin's second visit in less than a year. This meeting underscores the strengthening alignment between the two leaders amidst increasing global tensions, notably in Gaza and Ukraine.
Putin's visit to China comes shortly after the beginning of a new term in office, extending his rule until 2030 through an election lacking genuine opposition. According to Chinese state media, the visit is scheduled for May 16-17 and mirrors Xi's own state visit to Moscow just over a year ago, where he began a new term as president, similarly rewriting term limit rules.
This meeting occurs against the backdrop of the upcoming American presidential elections and mounting international criticism of Washington's support for Israel's actions in Gaza. The visit is expected to provide a platform for Xi and Putin to discuss how their alignment can advance their shared ambition to challenge American power.
The meeting also takes place as both leaders find themselves loosely but increasingly coordinating with other anti-American countries such as Iran and North Korea. North Korea, heavily reliant on China economically, is believed to be aiding Russia with war supplies, a claim echoed by the US regarding Iran, which is economically supported by Russia and China and plays a significant role in the Middle East conflict.
Putin's arrival for the two-day state visit comes amidst a robust wartime economy and a major new offensive along key Ukrainian frontlines. For Xi, recently returned from a European tour, the visit is an opportunity to demonstrate that his allegiance to Putin has not affected his ability to engage with the West.
However, despite the outward display of strong allegiance, there are underlying challenges. Beijing is facing increasing pressure from Washington over alleged support for Russia's defense industry, and Xi had to navigate tensions in Europe, where his reception ranged from fanfare in Serbia and Hungary to sharp criticism in France.
Xi has been calling for global cooperation to avoid a "Cold War," resisting what Beijing perceives as US efforts to contain China. Yet, his alignment with Putin underscores a growing global divide that could deepen divisions with the West, which China relies on for technology and investment.
Security concerns have been raised, with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warning of increasing alignment among authoritarian powers, with Russia receiving support from China, Iran, and North Korea for its aggressive actions. This highlights the need for like-minded partners to preserve transatlantic security.
The meeting between Xi and Putin also comes amid threats of more severe actions against China if it continues certain exports to Russia, which the US claims are enabling Russia's defense industry. Despite China's claims to monitor dual-use exports closely, the US and potentially the EU have imposed sanctions on Chinese firms.
While there are debates about Xi's intentions regarding the conflict, China's official trade data shows declines in exports to Russia, suggesting measures to protect against deeper Western sanctions. However, this is unlikely to change the deepening cooperation between China and Russia across various areas.
In terms of Gaza, both China and Russia have refrained from condemning Hamas for its actions against Israel, aligning with global backlash against Israel's war. This conflict has opened opportunities for China and Russia to advance their shared goals of establishing a multipolar world order free from American hegemony.
Overall, Xi and Putin's meeting underscores the strength of their partnership, which some view as transactional amidst broader government ranks' lack of trust. The meeting serves as an opportunity for both leaders to reaffirm their commitment to each other and their shared vision for global changes.