Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin Vow Stronger Ties at Russia’s WWII Victory Day Parade Ahead of U.S.-China Trade Talks

 Xi and Putin Vow Stronger Ties at Russia’s WWII Victory Day Parade Ahead of U.S.-China Trade Talks

Russia marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II over Nazi Germany with a grand parade on Friday, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the event, China and Russia issued a joint declaration expressing their intent to strengthen bilateral ties and “firmly” counter U.S. influence globally. Amid heightened security following recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, thousands of Russian troops paraded on Red Square. Notably, military units from China and 12 other countries also participated, symbolizing increasing international military cooperation. For Russian President Vladimir Putin—who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Ukraine—the parade was also an opportunity to demonstrate that Russia remains influential on the world stage. It also highlighted the broader geopolitical narrative where Russia and China position themselves as defenders of the post-World War II, U.S.-led international order, which they view as in need of reform or dismantling.

Xi’s presence and remarks underscored this alliance. On Thursday, Xi told Putin that China would work with Russia to shoulder the responsibilities of major world powers, describing their relationship as one of “steel friendship.” The two leaders signed a joint statement vowing to deepen military and strategic cooperation and to jointly respond to the U.S. policy of “dual containment” aimed at both countries. Xi’s visit coincides with ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions. The U.S. is calling for a 30-day “unconditional ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Xi’s participation in the WW II celebration comes ahead of key trade negotiations in Switzerland, the first since U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods increased sharply. According to the Kremlin, around 29 world leaders were expected at the event, with many citing Xi’s attendance as a significant factor. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy advised leaders not to attend, warning it could undermine neutrality, but Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told NBC News that Zelenskyy had asked him to deliver a message to Putin advocating for a sustained ceasefire.

Other notable attendees included Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who expressed strong support for Russia and Xi, emphasizing that China would definitely stand with Russia and that there’s a shared desire for peace in Ukraine. However, the backdrop of the parade was dominated by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, casting a shadow over the historic celebration. The event also underscored China’s nuanced stance on the Ukraine conflict. While officially maintaining a position of neutrality, Beijing has supported Moscow diplomatically and economically, thus solidifying the alignment discussed during Xi’s visit. Xi expressed hopes for a “fair and durable peace deal,” yet the timing of the trip also coincides with tense trade negotiations between the U.S. and China—viewed by analysts as a strategic move by Beijing to project strength amid economic challenges. Ahead of Xi’s departure, China announced measures to bolster its economy, including interest rate cuts and support for sectors like real estate. Experts suggest these moves reflect a leadership racing to contain economic fallout rather than confidence in the current regime, as U.S.-China tensions continue to shape global geopolitics.

See also: Pakistan Launches Multiple Attacks Along India's Western Border, India Says