Xi and Putin’s Meeting in Moscow Signals Commitment to Shaping a New World Order

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Moscow this week to discuss a range of issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The two leaders made a sweeping affirmation of their alignment across a host of issues and shared mistrust of the United States.

Xi made a strong show of solidarity with Putin against the West, but he did not make any direct support for Putin’s war in Ukraine. He said that China had an “impartial position” on the conflict. Xi also told Putin that “now there are changes that haven’t happened in 100 years” and that “when we are together, we drive these changes.”

The meeting between the two leaders left no question about Beijing’s commitment to developing its rapport with Moscow, despite Putin’s growing isolation on the global stage as its devastating war continues into its second year.

The White House commented on the Xi-Putin meeting, saying that “the two leaders discussed a range of issues, including the situation in Ukraine.” They also noted that “the United States continues to call on all parties to de-escalate the conflict and to pursue a diplomatic solution.”

The meeting between Xi and Putin is seen as a sign of their commitment to shaping a new world order. While the two leaders did not come to any agreement on the conflict in Ukraine, their talks demonstrate their shared mistrust of the United States and their desire to work together to shape the future.