Putin and XI have been good friends for a long time, but now they’re kicking off the off-limits tie | Photo: Shutterstock
Chinese national president Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday and strengthened his support for the united front with the West and “annex” Taiwan for a four-day state visit that many believe is more than just a victory parade outing and encounter with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Xi’s article, published in the Russian Official Gazette and reproduced on the website of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Publications, explicitly states that Russia supports efforts to reintegrate Taiwan under Chinese control. The president also wrote that both countries need to “support solid defense of international fairness and justice.”
In the meantime, Ukraine did what Putin said he would do. They expected the Chinese president to arrive at the fireworks, but not from a colorful and festive drone that is famous in the Asian country, but from a drone targeting the Russian capital.
Russia destroys 19 drones, but not without confusion
Moscow mayor Sergei Sobianin said Russian air defense units had destroyed at least 19 Ukrainian drones overnight. In contrast, Putin respected the three-day ceasefire against the adjacent “enemies” that he proposed a few days ago, and said he expects his counterpart from Kiev, Voldimir Zelensky, to not pay any respects.
The attack forced most of Moscow’s airports to be closed, and the Guardian reported that Russian national airline Aerofrott said it was sorting timetables to deal with the chaos.
The waves of drones were aiming to ruin the Kremlin preparations for victory day. They managed to force at least one world leader to deflect Moscow’s flight on Wednesday. Serbian Alexander Wüch’s plane was rerouted to Baku, Azerbaijan, before eventually landing in the Russian capital.
The closure of major airports affected 60,000 passengers. Despite these confusion, XI continued his visit, attending a military parade and spoke with Vladimir Putin.
Strengthen the connection between gas and energy
The visit shows strengthened relations between China and Russia. This is highlighted by continuing debate on energy cooperation, including record bilateral trade of $245 billion in 2024 and the power of the Siberian two-gas pipeline.
Xi highlighted the importance of the role of both countries in global stability and criticised interference in relations.
China remains neutral on Ukraine’s conflict, but Kiev has accused Beijing of indirectly supporting Russia, citing the presence of Chinese mercensaries on the battlefield.
Zelenskyy warned foreign leaders against visiting Moscow during this unstable period and denied responsibility for their safety.
The 11th visit to Russia strengthens the “unlimited” partnership between the two countries. He is one of the 29 world leaders who have participated in the parade since the full-scale invasion of Russia’s Ukraine, marking the largest foreign delegation in Red Square.
The relationship between xi and Putin’s “no limit”
The Chinese leader’s visit highlights its close ties with Putin shortly after his country faced a trade war launched by Donald Trump and Ukraine accused China of directly supporting Russia’s invasion.
The Russian Foreign Ministry described the trip as “one of the central events of Russia-China relations this year.” XI signs many cooperation agreements to deepen the “unlimited” relationship between China and Russia.
Russia and China oppose Taiwan’s independence
In the article Published On Wednesday, XI wrote: “Both China and Russia have significant influences, are constructive forces to maintain global strategic stability and improve global governance.
Xi said, “1 of China’s principles: “Taiwan is an invincible part of his country’s territory. He said that China and Russia “oppose the independence of all forms of Taiwan.” He also said that Russia “will achieve national unity in strong support of all measures of the Chinese government and its people.”
“We (Russia and China) must firmly defend international equity and justice,” he wrote, raising questions about when he will actually commence a bid to “reunify” Taiwan.
Just as Moscow introduces the alliance in Western segregation, the juxtaposition of Xi’s arrival with drone attacks highlights the complex dynamics of play in the region.
