The order of recent calls between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his counterparts in Russia and the United States signals a potential realignment of global power dynamics, according to analysts. Xi held a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin before speaking with U.S. President Donald Trump on , a sequence described as reflecting “close coordination and communication” between Beijing and Moscow.
The timing and content of these exchanges underscore a re-emergence of great-power politics, with China, Russia, and the United States once again taking center stage in global calculations. This observation comes as the international landscape grows increasingly complex and turbulent.
Divergent Priorities on Display
Official statements released by Beijing, Moscow, and Washington revealed markedly different priorities. Chinese state media reported that Xi and Putin’s meeting, broadcast from both the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and the Kremlin in Moscow, centered on maintaining global strategic stability. Xi extended New Year greetings to Putin and the Russian people, while Putin reciprocated with wishes for a prosperous Spring Festival for China.
According to the Xinhua state news agency, Xi emphasized the need for China and Russia to collaborate in safeguarding global strategic stability, particularly given the heightened turbulence in international affairs. Putin, in turn, expressed “full confidence” in Russia-China relations, advocating for continued mutual support in protecting national sovereignty and security. The Russian leader framed the relationship as being “in eternal bloom,” according to TASS, Russia’s state news agency.
TASS reported that Putin characterized cooperation between the two countries as “exemplary,” while Xi stated that China and Russia were “successfully defending global justice” and that their relationship was entering “a new stage of development.” This rhetoric highlights a shared narrative of resisting perceived Western influence and promoting a multipolar world order.
A Professor’s Perspective
“China is a pivotal major power,” said Ren Xiao, a professor of international politics at the Institute of International Studies (IIS) at Fudan University in Shanghai. He pointed to the sequence of calls as significant, suggesting a deliberate effort by Beijing to demonstrate its alignment with Moscow. “The order of the calls reflects close coordination and communication between Beijing and Moscow,” Ren Xiao stated.
Ren Xiao’s analysis aligns with a broader understanding of the deepening strategic partnership between China and Russia. This partnership, forged over years of shared geopolitical interests and economic cooperation, has become increasingly prominent in recent years, particularly in response to perceived challenges from the United States and its allies.
Expert Background: Ren Xiao
Ren Xiao is a well-respected voice on Chinese foreign policy. He has held positions at several prominent institutions, including Fudan University, the Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS), and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). His research focuses on international relations in the Asia-Pacific region, Northeast Asian security, and Chinese foreign policy. He has also held visiting positions at universities in England, Finland, Japan, and the United States, including the University of Essex, the University of Turku, Nagoya University, and George Washington University.
Dr. Ren has authored and co-authored numerous publications, including Human Security and Cross-Border Cooperation in East Asia, New Frontiers of China’s Foreign Relations, and China Debates Its Global Role. He has also served as an editor for several academic journals, including Globalizations and East Asia: An International Quarterly. From to , he worked at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, providing him with firsthand experience in diplomatic relations.
Implications for Global Order
The coordinated messaging and the order of these diplomatic engagements suggest a deliberate effort by China and Russia to present a united front on the world stage. This could signal a willingness to challenge the existing U.S.-led international order and promote alternative models of governance and security cooperation.
The divergent readouts from Washington, Beijing, and Moscow highlight the growing gap in perspectives on key global issues. While the United States continues to emphasize the importance of upholding international norms and promoting democratic values, China and Russia prioritize national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. This fundamental difference in worldview is likely to continue shaping geopolitical dynamics in the years to come.
The strengthening relationship between China and Russia also has implications for regional security in Asia. Increased military cooperation and joint exercises between the two countries could alter the balance of power in the region and potentially escalate tensions with other actors, including the United States, Japan, and South Korea.
As the international situation remains turbulent, the interplay between these major powers will be crucial in determining the future of global order. The recent diplomatic exchanges underscore the need for careful analysis and nuanced understanding of the evolving geopolitical landscape.
