Wafric News – May 8, 2025

In a symbolic display of growing geopolitical alignment, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a sweeping joint statement in Moscow on Thursday, reaffirming their commitment to a “new era” of strategic partnership as global power dynamics continue to shift.

The agreement was inked after four hours of high-level talks inside the Kremlin, with both leaders hailing their nations’ expanding cooperation. The joint statement, described by Chinese state media as a roadmap for “comprehensive strategic coordination,” signals a tightening bond between Beijing and Moscow in response to a world increasingly shaped by U.S. unilateralism and Western dominance.

Xi’s four-day state visit to Russia places him at the center of a meticulously choreographed Victory Day celebration — a powerful stage for Putin as he confronts global criticism over his war in Ukraine. This year’s parade marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

Putin rolled out a lavish welcome for his Chinese counterpart, with both men exchanging warm greetings and referring to each other as “friends.” The pageantry underscored the political message: as the West grows more fractured, Moscow and Beijing are marching in lockstep.

“Our political mutual trust has grown deeper,” Xi said in his remarks. “In this new era, China-Russia relations are more composed and confident, stable and resilient.”

The leaders’ alliance has evolved steadily over the past decade — now defined by shared opposition to what they view as Western hegemony and expanding defense and economic cooperation. Their latest meeting comes as each country grapples with its own tensions with the United States: China faces a trade war reignited by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies, while Russia remains entrenched in a bloody war in Ukraine and increasingly isolated from Western capitals.

Both Xi and Putin have positioned themselves as champions of a multipolar world order, in contrast to what they perceive as the self-serving dominance of the West. Xi took aim at “hegemonic practices of the powerful,” a not-so-subtle jab at Washington, and underscored the “special responsibilities” China and Russia bear as permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Putin, in turn, emphasized that the deepening of Sino-Russian ties was “not directed against anyone,” but instead intended to serve the “interests of our peoples.” He also highlighted a detailed economic cooperation plan running through 2030, signaling a commitment to long-term partnership.

While Xi’s visit is steeped in diplomacy and celebration, the reality of war looms large. The Victory Day parade takes place just hours after a three-day ceasefire announced by Putin went into effect — although reports from Ukraine’s air force allege continued Russian attacks, including strikes over the northeastern city of Sumy.

Ukraine has repeatedly warned foreign dignitaries attending the event that it cannot guarantee their safety within Russian territory. Kyiv has stepped up drone strikes on Moscow in recent weeks in retaliation for Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukrainian infrastructure and residential areas.

Despite these tensions, over two dozen world leaders are expected to attend the Victory Day events, including Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko. Troops from 13 nations are also scheduled to march in the parade.

The annual May 9 commemoration has become a key moment for Putin to assert Russia’s role on the global stage. He has increasingly used the historical narrative of defeating fascism to justify his invasion of Ukraine, falsely branding it a campaign of “denazification.” Yet the war has visibly strained the pageantry: Russian military hardware once paraded through Red Square is now being deployed on the Ukrainian front.

As Russia marks its Victory Day and Europe observes VE Day, the presence of Xi Jinping by Putin’s side sends a clear message: the China-Russia axis remains firm and is positioning itself as a counterweight to a Western-led world order.


By WafricNews Desk.