Dr. Mona Soliman‏‏

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Russia for four days, from May 7-10, 2025, during which he met his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. During the visit, both presidents signed a joint statement to deepen their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. They also reiterated their determination to address some of the current regional and international crises. These included the war in Ukraine, where Beijing proposed mediating between Moscow and Kyiv to resolve the crisis.&nbsp;Xi's visit to Russia is of great importance given the strategic weight of the two countries and the efforts to establish a geopolitical alliance between them. This alliance will reshape the balance of power in Asia and cast a shadow over the new character of the international system. Moscow and Beijing are revisionist powers to the current international order and a strive to create a multipolar system in which they are both influential actors. This trend is manifesting in light of their policies toward current regional and international developments.Multiple ResultsRussian-Chinese relations have witnessed a boom in various fields of cooperation over the past decade, and the Chinese president's visit to Moscow aligns with this trend. Overall, the visit led to several key outcomes, including the following:1- Strengthening Russian-Chinese Strategic Cooperation: Putin and Xi issued a joint statement at the conclusion of their talks in Moscow on May 8, 2025, affirming that Russia and China will continue to confront common challenges and threats, prevent instability, and counter any hostilities from other countries. Xi emphasized that relations between his country and Russia are "Friends of Steel" and based on neighborliness, friendship, comprehensive strategic engagement, and mutually beneficial cooperation. On May 8, 2025, the two countries signed an agreement to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Putin described the talks with Xi as very constructive. Xi, in turn, praised them, describing them as friendly and fruitful. Putin emphasized that relations between Moscow and Beijing are not directed against any third party (referring to the United States, which has reservations about developing cooperation between them due to its political dispute with Russia and economic dispute with China).Xi and Putin reiterated their rejection of any foreign interference in their relations or internal affairs, and affirmed their coordination to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Putin also revealed his visit to Beijing next September to participate in the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II. He explained that the choice of Moscow and Beijing as the host cities for the main events of this anniversary carries profound symbolic significance, as their peoples paid the highest price for the sake of "common victory." 2- Pledge to Continue Economic Cooperation: Putin emphasized that Russian-Chinese relations are "self-sufficient," and that the two countries will continue to increase the share of national currencies (the ruble and the yuan) in mutual transactions. He revealed that the volume of goods transported through Russian and Chinese border crossings and seaports will increase by 9% in 2024, reaching 176 million tons. He also stated that transportation infrastructure and border checkpoints will be developed to double this exchange. He emphasized that Moscow will work to "create comfortable conditions for Chinese companies to&nbsp;operate&nbsp;in&nbsp;Russia," as efforts are underway to expand the presence of major Chinese automakers, microelectronics manufacturers, and home appliances in the Russian market to an unprecedented extent. The Russian Development Bank (VEB) also announced a plan to finance joint projects with Chinese companies worth approximately €42.7 billion, covering gas, metals, wood processing, and shipbuilding. 3- Exporting Russian gas to China: Putin described cooperation in the energy sector as the cornerstone of Russian-Chinese cooperation. Russian company Gazprom continuously works with Beijing to provide additional supplies beyond official contractual obligations. He also announced the imminent launch of new joint initiatives between Moscow and Beijing in the energy sector. Russian and Chinese companies are negotiating the economic terms of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, a project to supply gas from Russia's West Siberian fields to China via Mongolia at a rate of 50 billion cubic meters annually. They will also work to enhance cooperation in energy investment, which will guarantee Moscow a market to absorb all of its oil and gas production after the imposition of Western sanctions. It will also provide China with its energy needs at lower than global prices, and will represent one of the close links of long-term economic cooperation between the two countries. 4- Proposing Chinese Mediation on the Ukraine War: Putin explained to Xi Russia's willingness to negotiate with Ukraine without preconditions and praised China's objective and fair position on the Ukraine war. It is notable that China has refused to impose any economic sanctions on Russia since the war began. The two presidents emphasized that the conflict in Ukraine can only be resolved by addressing its key drivers. Xi reiterated his offer to mediate the crisis and explained that Beijing hopes to reach "a fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement" acceptable to all parties involved through dialogue. The two presidents condemned the seizure of other countries' assets and affirmed their right to respond, referring to European countries' threats to seize Russian assets and grant them to Kyiv to develop its military industries. 5- Supporting Stability in the Middle East: During their discussions, the two presidents called for promoting stability in the Middle East and highlighting diplomatic action to deescalate ongoing turmoil. They reiterated their commitment to achieving a comprehensive settlement in Syria based on respect for the sovereignty and unity of Syria in accordance with the outcomes of the national dialogue. They also renewed their support for the Palestinian cause. Putin pointed out that the Gaza Strip is experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe. He also renewed Moscow's support for the two-state solution. Putin and Xi called for avoiding military escalation regarding the Iranian nuclear program.It is worth noting that Russia and China adhere to a different approach than their Western counterparts to dealing with Middle Eastern issues. Russia seeks to maintain its military presence in Syria, while China works to maintain its companies there. Moscow and Beijing maintain alliances with Iran. each has separately concluded a "comprehensive strategic partnership" agreement with Tehran. Therefore, they reject its possession of nuclear weapons but at the same time, they refuse to impose any sanctions or launch military strikes against it. This is in addition to Beijing and Moscow's economic, political, and military interests in the Middle East, which they seek to preserve.6- Combating Neo-Nazism: It was noteworthy that a joint Russian-Chinese statement was issued on May 9th condemning attempts to promote "Nazism." In it, they affirmed the continuation of cooperation between Moscow and Beijing in confronting neo-Nazism and attempts to falsify the history of World War II. They called for recognition of the Nazis' extermination of the civilian population in the Soviet Union, which they consider a genocide of the peoples of the Soviet Union. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian recommended reviewing the UN General Assembly resolutions on combating neo-Nazism, particularly since they were adopted by a majority vote. This reflects the clear position of the international community on this issue, particularly as Beijing and Moscow confirm the rise of "neo-Nazism" in European countries and Ukraine. Moreover, it signals an ongoing political and cultural confrontation between Moscow and Beijing on the one hand, and some European countries on the other hand, over "neo-Nazism" until a final settlement is reached in the Ukrainian crisis. Notably, Moscow submitted a resolution to the UN General Assembly in December 2024 titled "Combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance." This resolution was adopted with 119 countries voting in favor, 53 against, and 10 abstentions.7- Warning against Unconventional Warfare: Putin and Xi called on nuclear-weapon states to abandon their Cold War mentality and resolve differences through dialogue, referring to the recent border clashes between India and Pakistan, which coincided with the summit and ended on May 10, following US mediation. They also called on Japan to fulfil its obligations and show conscience in completing the elimination of remaining chemical weapons on Chinese soil. They demanded that Washington end the deployment of US military and biological activities in Asia. They criticized the deployment of long-range missiles by some nuclear-weapon states outside their borders (referring to the United States). They renewed their commitment to the 2022 Statement of the Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States on the Prevention of Nuclear War.Geopolitical ImplicationsThe Russian-Chinese strategic cooperation goes beyond strengthening bilateral relations. It has a far more reaching significance, as follows:1- Countering the U.S. Presence in the Indo-Pacific: Russia and China affirmed their rejection of the negative impacts resulting from US actions in the Indo-Pacific region, which is witnessing a significant increase in tensions. A growing Sino-American competition for influence over the region, given its strategic importance, has emerged. Moscow and Beijing have made it clear that Washington and NATO are expanding their military presence in the region, which will pose a threat to security and stability. In this context, Russia has reiterated its support for the efforts of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.2- Pivoting Toward International Rather Than Western Blocs: Russia and China have emphasized their continued coordination within international blocs established as an alternative to their Western counterparts, such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). They affirmed that they will work to enhance multi-level constructive cooperation with African countries and will make a significant contribution to the G20, led by South Africa, this year. They also explained that the CIS works to ensure stability and sustainable cooperation in Eurasia, and that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will establish stability in South and Central Asia. Furthermore, they called on India and Pakistan to resolve their disputes without military escalation.These blocs represent the "voice of the South." Beijing and Moscow have used them to promote their foreign policies, emphasize alternatives to Western blocs (the European Union, the World Bank, the G7), and promote new visions for managing the international system, free from Western perspectives. They are working to enhance the status of these international blocs as part of their efforts to transform the current international order into a multipolar system.3- Chinese Support for Russia against Sanctions: During the visit, the two presidents witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding in the areas of investment, developing cooperation in the energy sector, protecting mutual investments, supporting youth organizations, and launching a space project to establish a joint international scientific lunar station. It's worth noting that China is Russia's largest supplier of dual-use products that Washington has deemed "high priority" for Russian arms production during the Ukrainian war (such as semiconductors, communications equipment, and machine tools). This has helped Moscow circumvent sanctions by exporting more than $300 million per month of these controlled products. These products represent two-thirds of China's total exports to Russia, exceeding $80 billion in 2024. Russia is counting heavily on expanding and diversifying economic cooperation with China, as this will support the Russian economy in the face of Western sanctions imposed after the Ukrainian war.4- Maintaining their Opposition to the U.S. hegemony: The Chinese President's presence in Moscow to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day confirms Beijing's support for Russia in the face of Western pressure and sanctions. In return, Russia has reiterated its commitment to the "One China" principle and its rejection of Taiwan's independence, which Washington supports by arming it with American weapons. Russia is expected to provide political and military support to Beijing if it decides to wage a "limited war" to regain its independence.5- Pushing Towards a New International Order: Putin and Xi stated the need to protect the international system based on the United Nations and international law, and to activate the role of the United Nations to play a central coordinating role in achieving consensus among the interests of its member states. The two presidents noted that the strong relations between China and Russia have contributed to maintaining global strategic stability and "helping build a multipolar world." Putin emphasized that " no force can prevent China and Russia from achieving their development and renaissance, or halt the trend towards a multipolar world and economic globalization." In essence, Russia and China are actively pursuing multidimensional strategic cooperation as part of a broader effort to reshape the international order from a unipolar to a multipolar system. This reflects the deepening uncertainty within the existing global structure and signals an escalation in geopolitical polarization and rivalry between two competing blocs: one led by Russia and China, and the other by the United States. Both axes are striving to expand their influence across the broader Eurasian region, with a particular focus on South and Central Asia. These dynamics carry significant implications for international peace and security. In response, Washington must identify and exploit areas of divergence between Moscow and Beijing in order to hinder their alignment and preserve its global leadership.

What is the Significance of the Chinese President’s Visit to Russia?