Chinese President Xi Jinping has begun a four-day state visit to Moscow, signaling a bold reaffirmation of China’s strategic alliance with Russia even as Ukraine targets the Russian capital with a wave of drone attacks.
Xi is scheduled to hold high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and attend the Victory Day military parade on Red Square, commemorating the end of World War II. This marks Xi’s 11th visit to Russia—more than to any other country—highlighting the growing importance of their partnership amid global tensions.
The timing of Xi’s visit is notable, coinciding with Ukraine’s largest drone assault on Moscow to date, which disrupted air travel and forced the temporary closure of the city’s airports. Despite the attacks, Xi’s agenda remains unchanged, and his presence is seen as a clear message of solidarity with Putin.
During the visit, Xi and Putin are expected to sign multiple agreements, further cementing their “no limits” relationship. Key topics include the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline and expanded bilateral trade, which reached a record $245 billion in 2024—up 66% from pre-war levels.
China’s military will also participate in the Victory Day ceremonies for the first time in a decade, sending an honour guard to both Moscow and Belarus’s capital, Minsk.
In a published statement, Xi emphasized that China and Russia are “constructive forces” in preserving global stability and pledged to resist any attempts to undermine their partnership.
Despite China’s claim of neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, Kyiv has accused Beijing of indirectly aiding Russia’s war efforts and criticized world leaders attending the Moscow parade. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine “cannot bear responsibility” for the safety of foreign officials in the capital during ongoing hostilities.
As Russia seeks global support amid Western sanctions, Xi’s visit underscores a shifting geopolitical balance—and Beijing’s readiness to back Moscow diplomatically and economically.
