Putin met with Xi in Moscow

On March 20, Chinese President Xi and Russian President Putin met in Moscow amid the war in Ukraine and growing tensions in the Pacific.

President Xi recently began his third and unprecedented term as President of China, and it seems his third term is starting with high tempo. In his visit to Russia, Xi and Putin reaffirmed the relationship between the two superpowers.

Xi and Putin have called each other close friends, a sentiment that is clearly reflected in the two nations’ policy relationship. President Xi himself stated that Russia an China “share similar goals”. China has reaffirmed that they are still considering supplying Russia with weapons, munitions, and drone technology to aid Russian troops in the war in Ukraine.

To that end, Putin also said Russia is willing to analyze China’s peace proposal for Ukraine. A proposal that was regarded by the international community as phony and full of empty rhetoric. It seems Putin’s sentiments are the same.

Additionally, in a discussion between the two leaders, President Xi told Putin that “Thank to your strong leadership, Russia has made significant progress in achieving the prosperity of the country in recent years. I am sure that the Russian people will strongly support you in your good endeavors.”

The context to Xi’s flattery was that he noted Putin is facing an election year in 2024. The words of Xi have some in the media speculating whether or not China will somehow be involved in Russia’s election.

One thing is certain; Putin’s recent leadership has not strengthened Russia. At great expense to money, political power, and lives, Putin’s leadership has weakened Russia militarily, and ruined their diplomatic weight on the world stage.

There are not a great many of other details yet regarding the meeting between the two leaders, but the meeting itself sends a message. Russia is looking for supporters abroad, and China is looking to counter recent American victories in the Pacific. Specifically, the defense agreement with Japan and another with the Philippines. Additionally, it seems that Australia and the United Kingdom are rallying their efforts to counter China.

So it is with that in mind that an apparent balance of power is unfolding on the world stage, and at our adversary’s center is the new relationship between Russia and China.

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What do you think? Are Russia and China forming a deeper partnership? Will there be military support from China? Is this mere deterrence?

Let me know in the comments.