Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping highlights the deepening economic, military, and geopolitical cooperation between the two countries as their ties with the West become strained. Both leaders emphasized the importance of their relationship, stating that it is a stabilizing factor in the international arena. The meeting is expected to result in the signing of bilateral agreements, further strengthening the Russia-China partnership, which has reached an all-time high according to Putin.
Analysts believe that the Russia-China relationship is strategically aligned in many respects due to decisions made by both countries and Western governments that have pushed them together. While the leaders may present a positive front during their meeting, their relationship is complex and multifaceted, extending beyond a mere alliance or marriage of convenience. Russia has benefitted from Chinese trade, particularly in the energy sector, while China has gained access to Russian hydrocarbons at preferential prices and investment opportunities.
Despite their united front, there are points of divergence and discomfort between Russia and China. Russia’s war in Ukraine has caused disruptions in global alliances and supply chains, making China uneasy as its own economy faces challenges. China has faced criticism from the U.S. for its support of Russia during the conflict, resulting in sanctions on Chinese companies accused of supplying dual-use components to Russia. China has denied any wrongdoing, but has not embraced economic and political isolation from the West like Russia has.
The Russia-China relationship has evolved over the past 30 years, driven by factors beyond just their mutual animosity towards the West. China has benefitted from trade with Russia, while Russia has received trade and economic support that is essential for its economy. China’s reluctance to fully align with Russia’s anti-Western rhetoric indicates that it is not yet ready to fully decouple from the Western world. The leaders are expected to reaffirm their partnership and plans for joint economic projects during their meeting.
Despite the similarities in their anti-Western stance, Russia and China have different motives for their cooperation. While Russia embraces its isolation from the West, China remains cautiously engaged, balancing its relationship with both Russia and the West. The Russia-China relationship is characterized by a balance of power, with China having more flexibility and options than Russia, allowing it to drive hard bargains in their trading relationships. The meeting between Putin and Xi is expected to see a reiteration of their call for a multipolar world order and opposition to Western imperialism.
