Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged solidarity with Russia against what he called “unilateralism and hegemonic bullying,” as he began a four-day visit to Moscow on Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
The Chinese leader was welcomed at the Kremlin by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who greeted him as a “dear friend” and stressed the growing strategic alignment between the two countries.
“Together with our Chinese friends, we firmly stand guard over historical truth, protect the memory of the events of the war years and counteract modern manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism,” Putin said.
Xi echoed this sentiment, reaffirming Beijing’s support for Moscow amid ongoing tensions with the West over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“In the face of the international counter-current of unilateralism and hegemonic bullying behaviour, China will work with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities of major world powers,” Xi stated.
The visit comes at a tense moment on the global stage. While Washington continues to press for a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine after more than three years of war, China appears increasingly wary of a potential US-Russia rapprochement.
“Many say that China has some concerns about the current rapprochement between Russia and the US, which is quite evident these days,” said Al Jazeera’s Yulia Shapovalova in Moscow. “And that could mean some geopolitical shift that would possibly affect China.”
Despite China’s claim to neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, Kyiv has accused Beijing of covertly assisting Moscow. Ukraine’s foreign ministry has urged other nations not to take part in Russia’s Victory Day events, warning it could violate their stated neutrality.
Xi reiterated that China and Russia would defend the “correct view” of WWII history and work to uphold the United Nations’ authority. He also voiced support for a “multipolar” world order, in contrast to Western-led global governance.
During the visit, both sides are expected to advance a range of economic deals. Talks include the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which has faced cost-related delays. “Economic pressure on both sides could push them closer to a compromise this time around,” noted Shapovalova.
With additional reporting from news agencies.
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