Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Kremlin on Thursday for bilateral talks, reinforcing the deepening partnership between Moscow and Beijing.

Xi’s visit, timed with Russia’s 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day over Nazism, underscores the strategic alignment of the two powers amid global tensions.

Putin hailed the “mutually beneficial” relationship between Russia and China, unaffected by international pressures, and expressed readiness to make another official visit to China. Describing Xi’s trip as “highly significant,” Putin proposed discussing the full spectrum of bilateral agreements, with both nations working toward ambitious trade and investment goals by 2030. “In our joint statement, we set tasks for a substantial qualitative advancement of Russian-Chinese cooperation,” Putin said.

Xi, a key guest at Friday’s Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square, reaffirmed China’s commitment to a multipolar global economic model alongside Russia. He emphasized defending the interests of both nations and the developing world, highlighting the growing political trust between Moscow and Beijing.

The annual Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945), is one of Russia’s most significant holidays. Tomorrow’s Red Square parade will feature thousands of soldiers, military hardware, and aerial displays, with Putin expected to deliver a speech honoring the fallen and showcasing Russia’s modern strength. Around 27 world leaders, including Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, Cuba’s Miguel Díaz-Canel, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, are set to attend.

The summit and Xi’s presence at the celebrations signal a robust Russia-China alliance, with both leaders poised to challenge Western influence while advancing their shared vision for global economic and political balance. (ILKHA)