Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin Strengthen China-Russia Ties, Resist Western Influence

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin Strengthen China-Russia Ties, Resist Western Influence

In a significant diplomatic move, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on October 22, 2024, at the Kremlin in Kazan, Russia. This meeting, the third between the two leaders this year, marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. During their talks, Xi and Putin reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties, resisting what they perceive as Western dominance, especially U.S. influence. They discussed strategic, economic, and multilateral cooperation, reinforcing the idea of a "no limits" partnership amid increasing global tension.

Xi emphasized the importance of their partnership, describing the relationship as a "permanent good-neighborly friendship," highlighting their historical journey of cooperation over the past 75 years. The two leaders expressed their intention to expand pragmatic cooperation and jointly maintain global strategic stability, focusing particularly on multilateral institutions like the United Nations and BRICS. The meeting demonstrated both countries' resolve to keep close communication and coordination, positioning their alliance as a counterbalance to Western power structures.

Key Takeaways

1. Reaffirmation of Strategic Ties: Xi and Putin stressed the importance of expanding comprehensive strategic collaboration between China and Russia, emphasizing the continued evolution of their bilateral partnership.

2. Economic Integration and Cooperation: The leaders discussed the alignment of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), aiming to boost economic integration and strengthen economic ties between Asia and Europe.

3. Resistance to Western Dominance: The leaders reaffirmed their joint stance against perceived Western hegemony, focusing particularly on U.S. influence in global affairs. They criticized Western sanctions and political pressures, positioning their partnership as a tool to promote a multipolar world order.

4. Commitment to Multilateral Engagement: Xi and Putin also committed to further strategic cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), to promote global fairness and justice.

Deep Analysis

The meeting between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin signals a deepening alliance that comes amid an increasingly complex and polarized global landscape. Both leaders have consistently pushed back against what they see as an overreach of Western influence, specifically targeting the United States' role in shaping international policies, institutions, and economic systems. By aligning their visions, Xi and Putin aim to present an alternative model of international relations — one based on multipolarity rather than Western-led unipolarity.

Their agreement to link the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union is not merely a symbolic gesture but a practical step toward reshaping economic relationships across Eurasia. The BRI aims to create new trade corridors, infrastructure investments, and market linkages, while the EAEU works toward economic integration among its member states. By connecting these two initiatives, China and Russia seek to offer a parallel development route that challenges existing Western-dominated trade routes and institutions.

Additionally, Xi and Putin’s emphasis on multilateral frameworks like BRICS and the SCO reveals their ambition to reshape the global governance structure. Both leaders perceive these organizations as essential tools for building alliances with emerging economies and creating a united front against Western economic sanctions and diplomatic pressures. This approach not only strengthens their domestic narratives of resisting foreign intervention but also appeals to other countries seeking alternatives to Western-led development models.

The backdrop of this meeting is the continuing geopolitical tension characterized by sanctions on Russia and escalating economic and diplomatic competition between the U.S. and China. By continuing to show public support for one another, Xi and Putin aim to signal that their relationship is strong enough to withstand Western attempts at isolation. Their narrative emphasizes the need for "global fairness and justice" — a clear critique of what they perceive as the current global order's failure to adequately represent non-Western nations.

Did You Know?

• The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations. Over these years, their partnership has evolved from mere cooperation to what both countries now call a "comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era."

• The Kazan Kremlin, where the recent meeting was held, is a historic architectural complex and a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolizing Russia's rich cultural heritage and historical significance in fostering diplomacy.

• This was the third meeting between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in 2024, indicating the high priority both nations place on maintaining close, direct communication amid global tensions. Their frequent meetings underline their commitment to a united front against perceived Western dominance, particularly that of the United States.

China and Russia’s growing partnership reflects a shared vision of a multipolar world and serves as a reminder that the balance of global power is constantly shifting. As they continue to align their economic and strategic interests, the global community will be watching closely to see how this partnership influences international dynamics in the years to come.