Putin and Xi aim to ensure their interests continue to converge

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors."

As the Chinese proverb goes

This will have crucial implications for joint operability, the power projection and deterrence capacities of both, and for Russia's potential supporting role in Indo-Pacific conflict scenarios,

he underscored

The China-Russia alignment is aptly described by the Chinese saying, 'sharing the same bed with similar, yet different dreams,'

MERICS expert Soong said

Beijing for now continues to view Moscow as an indispensable strategic partner,

said Claus Soong, analyst at the Berlin-based China think tank MERICS

The two countries need to enhance solidarity, safeguard true multilateralism and steer global governance towards the right direction,

he added

Their 'no-limits' partnership clearly has limits that are shaped by shifting geopolitical realities, shaped by their respective relations with the West, united or not,

he added

The United States and its allies are trying to promote Nato’s eastward expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, build ‘small circles’ in the Asia-Pacific region, and win over countries in the region to promote their ‘Indo-Pacific strategy’, undermining regional peace, stability and prosperity,

the statement read

Xi Jinpingpresident

In the face of the international counter-current of unilateralism and hegemonic bullying behavior, China will work with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities of major world powers,

Xi said

Both China and Russia have splendid and rich culture and art resources, and the two peoples have a shared memory of fighting fascists during World War II,

said Zhao Lulu, a senior researcher with the think tank

The performances by numerous high-level Russian art troupes in China not only bring the essence of Russian culture to Chinese audiences, but also provide an opportunity for Russian artists to experience and understand China,

Wang Ning, director of the China National Centre for the Performing Arts, told Xinhua in a recent interview

Xi Jinpingpresident

The countless sacrifices made by both our peoples are worth remembering forever. The Soviet Union gave 27 million lives, laying them on the altar of the Fatherland and on the altar of victory,

he told Xi

Just as it did 80 years ago, when it finally became clear to everyone: evil cannot be appeased. It must be fought. Together. Resolutely. With force. With pressure,

he said on social media

During the night, the enemy intensified tactical aviation strikes using guided aerial bombs in the Sumy region,

Kyiv's air force said

This shows to what extent he values the heritage of the victory in WWII, bilateral China-Russia relations, and his personal relations with President Putin,

the Russian scholar said

Together with our Chinese friends, we firmly stand guard over the historical truth, protect the memory of the events of the war years, and counteract modern manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism,

he added in reference to one of his long-debunked claims used to justify his illegal invasion of Ukraine

Xi Jinpingpresident

Eighty years ago, the peoples of China and Russia made tremendous sacrifices to secure a great victory, contributing an indelible chapter to the cause of world peace and human progress,

Xi said, according to a report by the South China Morning Post

The parties intend to play an active creative role in the settlement around the Iranian nuclear program, emphasizing that it will contribute to maintaining the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, peace and stability in the Middle East,

the readout said

Vladimir Putinpresident

We are developing our ties in the interests of both our peoples and not aimed against anyone."

While Xi appeared to take direct aim at the U.S., which under Trump has slapped 145% tariffs on all Chinese exports, Putin’s language was more toned down when he said

Today, in the face of unilateralist backflows and acts of power politics and bullying on the international stage, China will join Russia in shouldering our special responsibilities as major countries and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council,

he added

Given Russia's unprecedented dependence on China, Moscow is increasingly tied to Beijing's interests ... and is now increasingly a supplicant,

Düben said