Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China this week was a demonstration of strength, aimed at showcasing the Russian president's powerful ally. Despite being widely regarded as a pariah due to his invasion of Ukraine, Putin found a warm welcome from China’s President Xi Jinping, who views him as a key partner in challenging the US-led world order.
The visit was marked by elaborate ceremonies: a red carpet, old Red Army songs played by a band, and cheering children in Tiananmen Square. There was even a brief hug between the leaders, emphasizing their camaraderie. However, this partnership is no longer one of equals. Putin arrived in China seeking support from Beijing to continue trading with a heavily sanctioned and isolated Russia, offering flattering statements and praise.
Putin mentioned that his family is learning Mandarin, a rare public reference to his children. He described his relationship with Xi as being “as close as brothers” and praised China’s rapidly developing economy, which would likely resonate with Beijing officials concerned about economic sluggishness.
In contrast, Xi’s remarks were more restrained, calling Putin a “good friend and a good neighbor.” For China, the show of unity was in its interest, but excessive praise was not. The ongoing war in Ukraine has altered their relationship, revealing weaknesses in Russia’s military and economy, and solidifying Xi’s dominant position.
While China’s ties with the West are tense, Beijing has not isolated itself like Russia. Xi’s invitation to Putin to his official residence, Zhongnanhai, signaled the importance of their relationship. This honor is rarely extended, with Barack Obama being one of the few previous recipients.
Xi faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining an alliance with Putin without jeopardizing stable ties with the West, which are crucial for China’s economy. The visit was fundamentally about economic support for Russia’s war effort. Putin’s entourage, including the governor of Russia’s Central Bank, the finance minister, and an economic advisor, highlighted his economic goals.
The joint statement issued during the visit proposed increased trade, including building a port on a disputed island and negotiating with North Korea for Chinese ships to navigate a key river to the Sea of Japan. The statement emphasized “co-operation” 130 times.
The US closely monitored the visit. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had recently warned China against aiding Russia’s war efforts, including trading components used in Russian drones and tanks. Putin’s tour of a state-backed university known for defense research in Harbin was likely noted by US officials.
While the visit symbolized Xi’s resistance to Western pressure, there are likely limits to his support for Putin. China's interests do not always align with Russia's, and as the senior partner, Xi will cooperate when it suits his own agenda, even if his “dear friend” Putin needs more.
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