Xi and Putin Unite Against "Bullying" Amidst Trade Tensions and Global Uncertainty

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a significant meeting on Thursday, marking their first formal talks since former President Donald Trump’s trade policies intensified the U.S.-China trade dispute. The meeting, steeped in historical symbolism, underscored the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations and their shared opposition to what they perceive as Western dominance and unilateral actions in international affairs.

Xi Jinping delivered a strong statement, vowing to stand with Russia against "power politics" and "bullying on the international stage." He invoked the shared sacrifices of China and Russia during World War II, emphasizing their contribution to global peace and human progress. This historical reference served as a foundation for their current alliance, positioning them as joint guardians against perceived injustices in the international order.

"Eighty years ago, the peoples of China and Russia made tremendous sacrifices to secure a great victory, contributing an indelible chapter to the cause of world peace and human progress," Xi stated, according to the South China Morning Post. "Today, in the face of unilateralist backflows and acts of power politics and bullying on the international stage, China will join Russia in shouldering our special responsibilities as major countries and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council."

The meeting took place on Victory Day in Europe, commemorating the Allied nations’ acceptance of Nazi Germany’s surrender in 1945. While the West observes Victory in Europe Day on May 8th, Russia traditionally marks the anniversary on May 9th. This timing added another layer of significance to the meeting, highlighting the historical context of their alliance and their shared experience of overcoming adversity.

Further cementing their alliance, Xi and Putin are slated to participate in a joint celebration in Moscow’s Red Square on Friday, which will feature a large contingent of Chinese troops. This display of military cooperation sends a strong signal of solidarity and reflects their commitment to strengthening their defense ties. Leaders from approximately 20 other nations, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula de Silva, are also expected to attend the event.

While Xi Jinping’s remarks appeared to directly criticize the U.S. and its trade policies, which have imposed substantial tariffs on Chinese exports, Vladimir Putin adopted a more restrained tone. He emphasized that the growing ties between Russia and China are "in the interests of both our peoples and not aimed against anyone." However, the context of the meeting, combined with the ongoing geopolitical tensions, suggests that their partnership is indeed intended to counter Western influence.

The relationship between Russia and China has deepened significantly since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The ensuing Western sanctions and efforts to isolate Moscow have pushed Russia closer to China, solidifying their strategic alliance. This partnership has become a key element in reshaping the global geopolitical landscape.

Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea have increasingly strengthened their ties, raising concerns among Western nations. While the previous U.S. administration under Donald Trump sought to distance itself from certain alliances, some analysts argue that this approach has inadvertently weakened U.S. relationships with its long-standing allies, creating opportunities for alternative power blocs to emerge.

Putin underscored the significance of their shared history, stating that the ties forged during the war years serve as "one of the fundamental foundations of modern Russian-Chinese relations." He added, "Together with our Chinese friends, we firmly stand guard over the historical truth, protect the memory of the events of the war years, and counteract modern manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism." This statement alludes to Putin’s justification for the invasion of Ukraine, a claim that has been widely debunked by international observers.

Beyond their shared opposition to Western policies, both Xi and Putin expressed their willingness to play a constructive role in the ongoing efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal. According to Russian news agency TASS, both leaders pledged to contribute to the Trump administration’s push to forge a new nuclear agreement with Iran. While both countries were key participants in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the U.S. withdrew from in 2018, their specific role in the current negotiations, facilitated by Oman, remains unclear.

"The parties intend to play an active creative role in the settlement around the Iranian nuclear program, emphasizing that it will contribute to maintaining the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, peace and stability in the Middle East," the Russian statement read.

The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the potential involvement of China and Russia in the Iran nuclear talks. The evolving dynamics between these major global powers could significantly impact the future of the nuclear agreement and stability in the region.

The meeting between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin serves as a clear indication of the growing strategic alignment between China and Russia. Their shared opposition to what they perceive as Western dominance, combined with their willingness to cooperate on issues ranging from trade and security to nuclear proliferation, is reshaping the global geopolitical order. As the U.S. navigates complex relationships with both China and Russia, the evolving dynamics between these nations will continue to be a central factor in international affairs. The meeting in Moscow underscores a shift in global power dynamics, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the changing landscape and the implications for international security and stability. The alliance, born from shared historical experience and fueled by contemporary geopolitical challenges, presents both opportunities and risks for the future of international relations.