Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China for a two-day state visit this week, highlighting the strong alliance between the two authoritarian nations in opposition to the US-led Western global order. The visit is at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking Putin’s first foreign trip since starting his fifth term as President of Russia. During the visit, the leaders will discuss bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.
China has been a staunch political supporter of Russia in the conflict in Ukraine and has continued to provide the country with crucial exports that indirectly contribute to its war efforts. Additionally, China is a significant market for Russian energy supplies, helping to maintain the Kremlin’s financial stability. Despite claiming neutrality in the conflict, China has expressed unwavering support for Russia, including holding joint military exercises and opposing economic sanctions imposed by the West against Russia.
The two authoritarian states are increasingly at odds with democracies and NATO, while simultaneously attempting to expand their influence in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Putin’s visit coincides with the upcoming inauguration of Taiwan’s next president, William Lai Ching-te, further highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has threatened to annex it by force if necessary.
Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Europe, including stops in Hungary and Serbia, was seen as an effort to bolster Chinese influence and drive a wedge between the EU, NATO, and a bloc of authoritarian nations supported by Chinese economic influence. China’s economic growth has slowed, and it is facing challenges such as a housing crisis, prompting a strategic shift in its foreign policy to strengthen ties with countries aligned with its interests.
As Putin and Xi meet in China, their alliance against the Western global order continues to solidify, with both countries seeking to expand their influence in various regions while challenging the dominance of democracies and NATO. The visit underscores the growing collaboration between Russia and China in geopolitical matters and the shared goal of countering Western influence in global affairs. The outcome of this meeting could have significant implications for the balance of power on the world stage.
