Xi and Putin Tout 'No Limits' Partnership

In a display of strengthening ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing , portraying their nations' relationship as a stabilizing force amid global chaos. It was Putin's first overseas trip since his March re-election.

Putin, seeking greater Chinese backing for his Ukraine war effort and isolated economy, received a grand welcome ceremony from Xi at the Great Hall of the People. The leaders reaffirmed their "no limits" partnership, with Xi telling his "old friend" that China-Russia relations are "conducive to peace" and that China is ready to "uphold fairness and justice in the world" with Russia.

Putin echoed that their relations are "stabilizing factors in the international arena," declaring they uphold "a democratic world order, based on international law." His arrival came hours after claiming Russian troops advanced on all Ukraine fronts following a major assault.

Xi has rebuffed Western criticism over ties with Moscow, benefiting from cheap Russian energy imports. Analysts suggest Putin's first post-inauguration trip aims to elevate Sino-Russian relations further, showcasing the leaders' "visibly sincere personal friendship."

However, their economic partnership faces Western scrutiny. The US warned that China's support enabled Russia's Ukraine war production, stopping short of direct arms exports. China claims neutrality but hasn't condemned the invasion.

Trade between China and Russia boomed to $240 billion in 2023 amid sanctions. But after US threats against institutions facilitating Moscow, some Chinese exports to Russia dipped recently as banks slowed transactions with Russian clients over secondary sanction risks.

Despite what Moscow wants, Beijing may be reluctant to openly boost Russia cooperation as it rebuilds fractured US ties.