Xi, Putin defy western pressure as China-Russia Alliance reaches 'highest level in history'

BEIJING: Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin on Wednesday projected a united front against what they described as unilateralism and attempts to rewrite world history, declaring that China-Russia relations had reached their “highest level in history."

Addressing the press after high-level talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi said Putin’s 25th visit to China reflected the “high level and special nature” of ties between the two powers.

He noted that over the past three decades, bilateral relations had steadily evolved into a “comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era," setting an example of a new model of relations between major countries.

“China and Russia have become a key constant amidst profound global changes unseen in a century,” Xi declared, crediting the partnership with helping uphold international fairness and justice while promoting a more balanced global order.

The Chinese president called for stronger political trust and deeper strategic coordination, urging both sides to continue firmly supporting each other on issues concerning their core national interests.

Xi also stressed the importance of aligning China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) with Russia’s long-term development strategy through 2030 to accelerate economic integration and mutually beneficial cooperation across multiple sectors.

He highlighted the need to expand cooperation in education, research and cultural exchanges under the China-Russia Years of Education initiative, saying stronger people-to-people ties would reinforce the foundation of long-term friendship between the two nations.

On global affairs, Xi called for closer international coordination between Beijing and Moscow to reform global governance structures and counter what he described as “unilateral bullying."

The Chinese leader also condemned attempts to “reverse the course of history”, particularly efforts aimed at denying the outcomes of World War II or reviving fascism and militarism.

Putin echoed Xi’s remarks, saying Russia-China ties had reached an “unprecedentedly high level” based on mutual respect, equal partnership and unwavering support for one another.

“The cooperation between the two countries is not directed against any third party or affected by geopolitical changes,” Putin asserted, amid intensifying tensions between Russia, China and the West.

The Russian president said Moscow and Beijing would continue close strategic coordination on the international stage and jointly uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter while safeguarding global security and stability.

The joint appearance by the two leaders underscored the deepening geopolitical alignment between China and Russia at a time of growing confrontation with Western powers, with both nations increasingly portraying themselves as defenders of a multipolar world order.