Is today the birth of a new world order? Two of the world’s most powerful hands clasped in Moscow yesterday. But do Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping really want the same thing?
How Russia and China have outwitted the West
Is today the birth of a new world order? Two of the world's most powerful hands clasped in Moscow yesterday. But do Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping really want the same thing?
In 1689, two world powers met in the town of Nerschink in south-east SiberiaA northern region of Russia, known for its harsh winters. It has a long history as a place of exile for criminals and political prisoners.. Russia, based thousands of miles away in MoscowThe capital city of Russia. , was expanding eastwards. This brought it into conflict with China, the world's most ancient empire.
In the 17th Century, these cultures had little knowledge of each other. But three hundred years later, China and Russia have never been closer.
China's Xi JinpingThe president of China, who has concentrated power and removed term limits allowing him to serve for life. calls it a "friendship without limits". And yesterday he visited Moscow to affirm this close relationship.
But the show of unity masked a seismic shift in the relationship between the states the two men represent.
The war in Ukraine has made Russia even more dependent on its powerful neighbour. China provides more than 40% of all Russian imports, and it has kept the Russian war machine running by providing raw materials and computer chips.1
So while Xi claims to be dropping in on his best friend, it would be more accurate to say that he is visiting his most important client state.
And the two leaders also have quite different objectives. Russia is hoping to use the visit to deepen the two countries' economic ties and export more gas to China.
Xi, however, has a wider aim: to prove that he is a global statesman, capable of rising above the frayA fight, struggle, or disagreement that involves many people. to bring peace and stability.
If he can persuade Putin to reopen negotiations with Ukraine, he will be able to present himself as a peacemaker. To that end, Xi is also due to make a phone call to Volodymyr Zelensky after his visit.
That is China's pitch to the world. The USA, it argues, has used its period of global leadership to divide the world into friend and foeEnemy. and punish those it sees as its enemies.
When China occupies the top spot, Xi claims, it will keep its nose out of other people's business, and get involved only to keep the peace.
Whether or not others will believe him is a different question. China may claim to be neutral in the Ukraine war, but behind the scenes it has backed Russia to the hilt.
Like the USA, they say, China will do anything to protect its economic interests and weaken its enemies. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
<h5 class=" eplus-wrapper" id="question"><strong>Is today the birth of a new world order?</strong></h5>
Yes: The Ukraine war has put Russia firmly in China's pocket, and it is occupying the will and resources of China's western rivals as well. Xi can be confident that his country is now in the driving seat.
No: Russia and China are both dogged by accusations of massive human rights abuses. Many around the world fear the idea of Chinese leadership. This weakens Xi's position.
Or... China claims to want to run things differently. No more military adventures, meddling in the affairs of other countries or sanctionsEconomic measures designed to punish a country, for instance by excluding it from trade. on enemies. But in reality it might be more continuity than change.
Siberia - A northern region of Russia, known for its harsh winters. It has a long history as a place of exile for criminals and political prisoners.
Moscow - The capital city of Russia.
Xi Jinping - The president of China, who has concentrated power and removed term limits allowing him to serve for life.
Fray - A fight, struggle, or disagreement that involves many people.
Foe - Enemy.
Sanctions - Economic measures designed to punish a country, for instance by excluding it from trade.
How Russia and China have outwitted the West

Glossary
Siberia - A northern region of Russia, known for its harsh winters. It has a long history as a place of exile for criminals and political prisoners.
Moscow - The capital city of Russia.
Xi Jinping - The president of China, who has concentrated power and removed term limits allowing him to serve for life.
Fray - A fight, struggle, or disagreement that involves many people.
Foe - Enemy.
Sanctions - Economic measures designed to punish a country, for instance by excluding it from trade.