Vladimir Putin on Wednesday described China as a crucial “stabilizing factor” in the current international landscape, during a virtual summit with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping via video technology.
According to video footage released by the Kremlin , Putin stressed that “amid escalating geopolitical turmoil, close coordination between Moscow and Beijing remains a key pillar for maintaining international balance,” adding: “We are ready to continue deepening cooperation on pressing issues at the global and regional levels.”
The depth of the strategic partnership and the challenge of unilateral hegemony
These statements reflect the remarkable development in Russian-Chinese relations, which have evolved from mere economic cooperation to a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at shaping a multipolar world order. Since declaring this “unlimited” partnership prior to the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022, the two countries have sought to align their positions in international forums, particularly the UN Security Council, to counter what they describe as Western hegemony and the unipolar world order led by the United States.
Economic cooperation as a protective shield
On the economic front, relations have witnessed significant leaps forward, with China becoming Russia's top trading partner, providing a vital lifeline to the Russian economy in the face of harsh Western sanctions. Beijing imports vast quantities of Russian energy at preferential prices, while Chinese products, from automobiles to technology, fill the void left by Western companies withdrawing from the Russian market. This latest contact comes just days after senior diplomats from both countries agreed to propel relations toward "new heights" this year, focusing on infrastructure and energy projects.
International context and the war in Ukraine
The two countries enjoy strong diplomatic and military ties that have significantly strengthened since 2022. The two leaders exchanged New Year's greetings and previously met in Beijing to bolster their friendship. This latest conversation is particularly significant given its timing, coinciding with US reports suggesting a possible agreement to end the war in Ukraine—a conflict in which China is attempting to play a mediating role by proposing peace initiatives while maintaining its close alliance with Moscow.
