Putin and Xi to meet in Beijing this week.
Russian President Vladimir Putin to Meet Chinese Communist Leadership in Effort to Deepen Partnership
Russian President Vladimir Putin is embarking on a significant journey to China this week, where he will engage with the communist leadership. This visit is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the alliance between the two nations and challenge the prevailing international order.
During the Belt and Road Initiative forum in Beijing on Oct. 17–18, Mr. Putin will have a meeting with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) General Secretary Xi Jinping. Notably, he will be accompanied by prominent Russian oil tycoons Alexei Miller and Igor Sechin, who lead Gazprom and Rosneft, respectively.
This trip holds particular significance as it marks Mr. Putin’s first venture beyond the borders of the former Soviet Union since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him for forcibly deporting Ukrainian children. However, it is worth mentioning that he has previously visited occupied Ukraine during this period.
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The upcoming face-to-face meeting between Mr. Putin and Mr. Xi will be their second encounter this year. This meeting takes place as U.S. President Joe Biden struggles to arrange a meeting with Mr. Xi.
China Stands Firmly with Russia Despite International Pressure
China and Russia recently announced an unwavering partnership, just weeks before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Biden administration considers China and Russia to be the United States’ most significant challenges and threats among nation-states.
Since 2022, these two powerful nations have been actively expanding their de facto alliance across diplomatic, economic, and military domains.
During a visit to Moscow in March, Mr. Xi emphasized that he and Mr. Putin are driving a transformative change that has not been witnessed in a century.
Similarly, Mr. Putin stated that China and Russia will establish a more equitable “multipolar world order” to replace the current international order’s “rules.”
The CCP also expressed that this relationship extends beyond bilateral matters and holds critical importance for the global landscape and the future of humanity.
However, the CCP has faced international criticism for its unwavering support of Russia throughout the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The United States has accused the CCP of considering providing military support to Russia for the war, leading to the blacklisting of several Chinese companies for supplying military equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine.
Despite global financial actions against Russia, Mr. Xi refuses to join international sanctions, providing Russia with a vital economic lifeline in Chinese markets.
U.S. intelligence leaders predict that the CCP-Kremlin partnership will further deepen in the coming decade.
Russia Now China’s Primary Partner
Over the past 30 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian economy and military have significantly declined, positioning Moscow as the subordinate partner to China.
Nevertheless, the CCP must balance its efforts to undermine Washington with the recognition that the United States remains the world’s strongest economy and military power.
In this regard, Mr. Xi aims to strengthen ties with Mr. Putin to further undermine the United States and the international order it leads, according to Patricia Kim, a fellow at the Brookings Institution think tank.
“China hasn’t reduced its ties with Moscow or pressured Putin to halt his invasion of Ukraine,” Ms. Kim stated during a panel discussion at the Brookings Institution on Sept. 26.
“It’s evident that Xi views Putin as his most crucial partner in eroding what he perceives as a Western-dominated global order.”
How has China’s support for Russia impacted the international order dominated by the United States?
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China’s unwavering support for Russia has been evident in various ways. Despite international pressure and condemnation, China has refrained from imposing sanctions on Russia and has instead provided economic aid and diplomatic backing. China’s stance can be attributed to its own geopolitical interests and its desire to challenge the existing world order dominated by the United States.
Both China and Russia share common goals in challenging and restructuring the international order to better reflect their own interests and influence. This includes diminishing the dominance of the United States and its Western allies, promoting a multipolar world order, and advocating for greater sovereignty and non-interference in each nation’s domestic affairs.
The strengthening of China-Russia ties has far-reaching implications. Economically, the two nations have expanded their trade and investment cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. They have also engaged in joint military exercises and technology collaborations, further solidifying their strategic partnership. This growing alliance presents a united front against the United States and its allies, challenging Western-led initiatives and institutions.
Furthermore, China and Russia share a similar authoritarian model of governance, with both nations prioritizing stability and control over dissent. This ideological affinity strengthens their partnership and allows for mutual support in suppressing domestic opposition and countering perceived Western influence.
Implications for the International Order
The deepening partnership between Vladimir Putin and the Chinese communist leadership has significant implications for the prevailing international order. As the United States grapples with domestic challenges and tries to reestablish its global leadership under the Biden administration, China and Russia are positioning themselves as formidable challengers to US hegemony.
Their combined strength, both economically and militarily, poses a significant challenge to Western democracies. By aligning their interests and resources, China and Russia can exert greater influence on global affairs, reshape international norms, and undermine Western-led initiatives such as human rights promotion, democratic governance, and free trade.
Moreover, their partnership strengthens the narrative of an alternative world order, one that is led by autocratic regimes and prioritizes sovereignty and national interests over global cooperation and liberal values.
The Future of China-Russia Partnership
As both nations continue to face mounting pressure from the United States and its allies, it is likely that the China-Russia partnership will continue to deepen and expand. Despite occasional differences in their interests and approaches, their shared objectives and mutual trust provide a solid foundation for long-term cooperation.
However, the China-Russia partnership is not without challenges. As China’s economic and military power grow, it may seek to assert greater influence and control over Russia, potentially creating tensions in the relationship. Furthermore, geopolitical shifts and evolving global dynamics may require both nations to recalibrate their strategies and priorities in the future.
Nevertheless, the meeting between Vladimir Putin and the Chinese communist leadership serves as a reminder of the evolving world order and the growing influence of non-Western powers. The deepening partnership between China and Russia signifies a shift in global power dynamics and poses significant challenges to the existing international order.
The international community, particularly Western democracies, must closely monitor and respond to this emerging alliance to safeguard their interests and values in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
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