President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Moscow has further solidified the China-Russia strategic partnership, reaffirming the two countries’ shared global vision. Xi arrived in Russia on May 7 to attend events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. In addition to participating in the Victory Day celebrations, Xi signed a joint declaration with President Vladimir Putin. The document formally expanded the China-Russia strategic partnership into what leaders now call a “new era” of coordination. As a result, experts believe the visit reinforced both symbolic unity and practical cooperation.
According to Chinese analysts and global observers, the visit emphasized historical memory as well as geopolitical alignment. For instance, Keith Bennett, co-editor of the Friends of Socialist China platform, highlighted the enduring relevance of wartime victories. He said those victories laid the foundation for a global order based on peace and sovereign equality. Furthermore, Bennett added that unilateralism and hegemonic behavior now challenge those long-held principles. Therefore, he argued, the China-Russia strategic partnership plays a critical role in defending postwar ideals and promoting multipolarity.
Meanwhile, Xi’s agenda in Moscow included bilateral meetings with leaders from several countries, signaling broader diplomatic ambitions. Mustafa Hyder Sayed, head of the Pakistan-China Institute, stressed the historical symbolism of the summit. He noted that both governments invoked shared memories of resisting foreign aggression. Moreover, their emphasis on strengthening the United Nations framework reflects a strategic move toward inclusive governance. According to Sayed, such messaging resonates with Global South nations seeking balanced international relations.
Additionally, other experts echoed the sentiment. Arhama Siddiqa, a research fellow at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, said the partnership reflects a shared effort to promote a rules-based international system. She further added that the joint statement also supported inclusive economic globalization. Siddiqa noted that the summit projected a new global model, which appeals especially to developing states navigating regional realignments. In particular, she pointed to shifting alliances in the Middle East following the Gaza conflict.
Moreover, Russian officials praised the outcomes of the visit. First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov called the meeting between Xi and Putin “constructive and productive.” He emphasized that the China-Russia strategic partnership now extends into technology, energy, infrastructure, and defense. From Kenya, Professor XN Iraki of the University of Nairobi viewed the summit as a clear sign of political closeness. He said the visit confirmed the friendship between the two countries and their mutual strategic alignment.
In contrast, reactions in the United States centered on the broader geopolitical impact. Anthony Moretti, a professor at Robert Morris University, said the stable China-Russia dynamic appeals to countries frustrated by U.S. unpredictability. Furthermore, he said many developing nations now view the alliance as a counterweight to Western-led instability. The China-Russia strategic partnership, he noted, signals a power shift that increasingly defines global politics.
As tensions rise elsewhere, the meeting between Xi and Putin offered a markedly different diplomatic approach. By reinforcing cooperation through historical memory and shared global priorities, the two leaders presented a united front. Ultimately, the summit in Moscow not only honored the past but also outlined a multipolar vision for the future.
