Context:

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping solidified their alliance during a meeting in Moscow, emphasizing their countries as bastions of stability and historical guardians, just before the 80th-anniversary celebrations of World War II's end. Facing an unpredictable Donald Trump, both leaders positioned their nations as alternative global powers advocating for a multipolar world. The summit coincided with preparations for a grand Red Square parade attended by numerous authoritarian leaders, underscoring Moscow's growing reliance on Beijing due to Western isolation. Xi Jinping highlighted the strengthened, stable Sino-Russian relations and criticized unilateralism, indirectly pointing at the United States. Putin invoked World War II memories to justify Russia's stance in Ukraine, portraying the conflict as a fight against neo-Nazism and militarism, while China supported Russia economically without direct military involvement.

Dive Deeper:

• Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping presented their nations as stabilizing forces in a multipolar world during a Moscow meeting on the eve of World War II victory celebrations, aiming to counterbalance the unpredictability of Donald Trump's policies.

• The meeting underscored the importance of the Sino-Russian alliance, particularly for Moscow, which faces Western isolation due to its actions in Ukraine, making China a crucial economic partner by purchasing Russian oil and replacing Western brands.

• Xi Jinping characterized the current Sino-Russian relationship as calm and robust, and he positioned both countries as defenders against unilateralism, implicitly criticizing the United States' aggressive trade policies.

• Putin leveraged historical narratives of World War II, claiming that Russia's military actions in Ukraine are a continuation of the fight against fascism, despite international criticism and accusations of manipulating historical memory for political purposes.

• The summit took place amid preparations for a significant parade attended by over 25 world leaders, including several authoritarian figures, highlighting Russia's diplomatic pivot towards non-Western alliances.

• China's support for Russia remains economic, with Beijing refraining from direct military intervention, indicating a cautious approach to its involvement in the Ukraine conflict while maintaining a strategic alliance with Moscow.

• The event highlighted the strategic alignment of Russia and China against Western narratives, with both countries seeking to reinforce their global influence and challenge US dominance in international affairs.