Key Points:
- Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a four-day official visit to Russia, his 11th since 2013, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.
- Xi will attend the 80th Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, commemorating the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in WWII.
- High-level talks between Xi and Putin will focus on the Ukraine conflict, Russia-US relations, and the escalating India-Pakistan situation post-Operation Sindoor.
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held talks with India’s NSA Ajit Doval, addressing regional security and anti-terror operations.
- The Victory Day parade will feature troops from China and other nations, with leaders from Brazil, Vietnam, and Belarus in attendance.
Moscow: Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Moscow on Wednesday, embarking on a four-day state visit that underscores the deepening strategic partnership between China and Russia. This visit, Xi’s 11th to Russia since 2013, comes at a pivotal moment as global tensions simmer over the Ukraine war and the recent escalation between India and Pakistan.
Xi and Putin: A Strategic Dialogue
President Xi’s arrival follows a personal invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, the two leaders will hold extensive discussions on Thursday. The agenda includes sensitive international issues such as the ongoing Ukraine conflict, strained Russia-US relations, and the recent spike in India-Pakistan tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor-a retaliatory strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack.
China Engages with India on Regional Security
Coinciding with Xi’s visit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi engaged in a phone conversation with India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The discussion focused on India’s recent military action against terror bases in Pakistan and broader regional security concerns. This diplomatic outreach signals Beijing’s intent to play a constructive role in South Asian stability, even as it strengthens ties with Moscow.
Victory Day: A Symbolic Gathering
The highlight of Xi’s visit will be his participation in Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II-a conflict in which the USSR lost an estimated 24 million people, the highest casualty count of any nation.
Victory Day is Russia’s most significant national holiday, featuring a grand military parade in Moscow’s Red Square, elaborate ceremonies in St. Petersburg, and fireworks across the country. This year’s parade will see the participation of Chinese People’s Liberation Army troops, a powerful symbol of the growing military partnership between Beijing and Moscow. Leaders from Brazil, Vietnam, Belarus, and several other countries are also expected to attend.
Global Context: Ceasefire Offers and Geopolitical Maneuvering
On the eve of Victory Day, President Putin offered a ceasefire in Ukraine, which was promptly rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who instead backed an earlier US-proposed ceasefire framework. The presence of Xi and other world leaders at the parade underscores Russia’s efforts to project international support despite ongoing Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
Looking Ahead
Xi Jinping’s visit is expected to yield new agreements on economic and security cooperation, while the high-profile Victory Day celebrations will serve as a platform for both Russia and China to showcase their alliance amid a rapidly shifting global order. The world will be watching closely as the two leaders navigate complex issues ranging from the Ukraine war to rising tensions in South Asia.
