Xi, Putin Meet in Beijing Marking WW2 Victory, Strengthening China-Russia Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, emphasizing their countries' roles as key victors and affirming their strategic partnership. The leaders highlighted their shared wartime legacy and committed to strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation on multilateral platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while also signaling opposition to U.S. policies under President Donald Trump. The military parade in Beijing, attended by around 26 world leaders including North Korea's Kim Jong Un, showcased China’s expanding military capabilities and was interpreted by experts as a demonstration of power challenging U.S. dominance. Putin reiterated Russia and China’s unity and historical friendship, and Gazprom signed a significant gas pipeline deal with China, symbolizing deepening economic ties. Meanwhile, the U.S. expressed concerns over India’s role in purchasing Russian crude oil, straining India-U.S. relations despite India’s participation at the SCO summit alongside China, Russia, and others. These events illustrate a shifting global order where China, Russia, and their allies assert greater influence amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with the West.