Xi Jinping Arrives in Moscow for Putin’s Victory Day Amid Strong Ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a four-day state visit, joining Russian President Vladimir Putin to commemorate the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end at the Victory Day military parade.
The visit underscores the deepening bond between China and Russia, as both nations navigate a turbulent global landscape marked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies and escalating trade tensions.
“We will prepare a good and eventful program,” Putin said last month, describing Xi as the “principal guest” for the celebrations.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Honor Guard will participate in the parade, a symbolic gesture of unity, marking its third appearance since 2015.
A United Front Against U.S. Policies
Xi’s visit comes as the Trump administration openly seeks to fracture the China-Russia partnership.
Trump stated in October that he aimed to “un-unite” the two nations, a sentiment echoed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told Breitbart News in February that the U.S. plan was to “dilute ties” between Moscow and Beijing.
Despite these efforts, analysts see little chance of a split.
The U.S. war on the international trading system “made Beijing more likely, not less, to strengthen its ties with Moscow,” said Scott Kennedy, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that the meetings will “further deepen the political mutual trust between China and Russia” and “promote practical cooperation in various fields.”
An article attributed to Xi in Russian state media declared that both countries must “resolutely oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics” and resist interference in their friendship.
Economic and Symbolic Significance
With China facing 145% U.S. tariffs and Russia grappling with Western sanctions and low oil prices, their $237 billion trade in 2024 has become a lifeline.
Russia exports oil and gas to China, while importing cars, electronics, and materials critical to its war efforts in Ukraine.
Xi’s visit also aims to address tensions, such as the stalled Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which Russia hopes will offset lost European markets.
Patricia Kim, a fellow at the Brookings Institution said:
This visit gives Xi a chance to reaffirm that close partnership with Putin and to remind the world that ties between Beijing and Moscow remain solid.
As both leaders project stability amid global uncertainty, their alliance signals a counterweight to U.S. influence, with Xi and Putin set to discuss Ukraine, U.S. relations, and further economic cooperation.