Days After Hosting Trump, Xi Deepens Ties With Putin

In a significant display of geopolitical realignment, Chinese President Xi Jinping recently hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing for a two-day state visit, marking Putin's first foreign trip since his re-inauguration. This summit further solidified the "no-limits" partnership between the two authoritarian powers, underscoring a strategic convergence aimed at challenging the existing U.S.-led global order. Key outcomes included pledges to boost bilateral trade, energy cooperation—with Russia providing crucial hydrocarbon supplies to China amid Western sanctions—and expanded use of national currencies, notably the yuan, in cross-border settlements, accelerating de-dollarization efforts. Both leaders also issued a joint statement advocating for a cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, while implicitly criticizing Washington's approach to international affairs. This deepening Sino-Russian entente isn't merely transactional; it represents a foundational shift towards a multipolar world order, directly counterbalancing perceived Western hegemony. Coming amidst escalating U.S.-China economic tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Beijing meeting leverages a confluence of shared strategic interests and grievances. For Russia, China provides an economic lifeline and diplomatic cover against Western isolation. For China, Russia is a critical partner in challenging U.S. influence, particularly in arenas like the Global South, and in developing alternative security architectures like an expanded BRICS+ bloc. The "veiled swipe" at the United States, common in their joint communiqués, signals a unified front against what they term "hegemonic policies," potentially influencing everything from international trade norms to the future of regional conflicts and cyber governance.