On September 2, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing. Their goal was to test the waters for increased cooperation as both countries found themselves under increasing duress from the West. In the course of this crucial meeting, the leaders cemented their joint spirit by presiding over the signing of new gas deals. This strategic move placed them in a strong position to strengthen their partnership.
The dramatic backdrop of the meeting underscored the increasing pressure that both Xi and Putin are coming under from Western countries. As geopolitical tensions flare around the world, the two leaders made clear their intention to change the world order as we know it. They took this event as an opportunity to display their numbers, demonstrate their unity, and rally behind a common vision for what’s next. Their actions did send a resounding message to the international community.
During the negotiations, Xi and Putin put a lot of stress on energy relations as well. These newly signed gas agreements will further cement the economic relationship between China and Russia. Our joint advocacy and coalition building will allow them to better stand up to the right-wing pressure from the West. Both countries, meanwhile, are working to deepen and broaden their energy relationship. They hope to decrease their reliance on Western energy markets and increase their economic sovereignty.
The international community’s eyes were glued on the Assembly. Yet they regarded it as an important step deepening the relationship between China and Russia. According to analysts, these agreements have the potential to reshape global energy markets and change the course of geopolitical alliances. Open a partnership with Xi and Putin that purposely undermines the strategic interests of Western nations. They view this partnership as pushback against what they view as encroachments on their ‘spheres of influence’.
The meeting represents a watershed moment in a rising current of non-Western countries taking the initiative to work together. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin’s joint efforts reflect a desire to cultivate a multipolar world, where power is distributed among various global players rather than concentrated in traditional Western hands.