‘Brothers Forever’: Putin, Xi Agree That Deepened Ties Project Stability Against West’s ‘Unilateral Hegemony’

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Beijing visiting his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On the first day of the two-day state visit, which includes top Russian defense and security officials, Putin referenced Russia being “brothers forever” with China and Xi. He quoted from a 1940s song, saying “The event is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. There is a famous song from that time, it was created 75 years ago, but is often sung today: there is a quite famous line in it: ‘Russian and Chinese are brothers forever’.

“I am sure that we will continue to strengthen the fraternal spirit of the harmonious Russian-Chinese partnership,” he emphasized. Xi in response hit upon the ‘old friend’ theme, and was quoted in Xinhua as saying, “China is ready to work with Russia to stay each other’s good neighbor, good friend and good partner.”

As expected, the two presented the Russia-China relationship as a stabilizing force for the region in the world. Speaking a their joint press conference Thursday, Xi said, “China is willing to … jointly achieve the development and rejuvenation of our respective countries, and work together to uphold fairness and justice in the world.”

While not naming the United States directly, Xi said that the two countries will grow closer and press on in the face of rising hegemony. XI also said they do no seek to target any third party, and expressed hope that the war in Ukraine would be solved peacefully.

One interesting area of clear agreement was the rejection of foreign military blocs in the region. Putin condemned what he called “closed alliances in the region” – which appeared a reference to to the AUKUS pact of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Xi agreed, telling a press conference that “In today’s world, Cold War mentality is still raging. Unilateral hegemony, bloc confrontation, and power politics pose a direct threat to the entire world and the security of all countries.”

The Chinese leader urged an “immediate” end to Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution and also addressed Ukraine: “China hopes for the swift restoration of peace on the European continent and is ready to continue its constructive role.”

He said this can come about through a “new, balanced, effective and stable security architecture.” Relatedly, the two leaders issued a fresh joint statement which blasts Western imposed restrictions that “obstruct the development of free trade, negatively affect global chains of production and retail.”

On US-led sanctions, the statement said: “The sides condemn the shameless actions, undertaken in circumvention of the UN Security Council, which violate the UN Charter and international law, which obstruct the access to justice, as well as measures that contradict the WTO rules.” It underscored, “Russia and China decisively oppose this.”

The two leaders again upheld the Russia-China relationship as fundamentally “based on the multipolar realities and international law” in a swipe at the West which both Putin and Xi have long deemed hegemonic.

At one point Putin also praised efforts of the two at bypassing the US dollar, saying “A powerful impetus to expand our trade flows was given by our timely joint decision to ensure that transactions are conducted in national currencies. As of today, 90% of all payments are made in rubles and yuan.”