As Russian tanks roll through Red Square for Victory Day on May 9, Chinese President Xi Jinping will stand alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin—a jarring image for a country that claims to be a force for global stability. The image of Xi in Moscow underscores the growing tension at the heart of China’s foreign policy: its strategic partnership with Russia increasingly collides with its broader ambitions to be seen as a responsible global leader, as a steadying alternative to what it depicts as American volatility and Western decline. Although the China-Russia relationship remains solid, Xi faces challenges. Over the past year, Moscow has expanded its diplomatic outreach, negotiating directly with Washington and signing a mutual defense pact with Pyongyang. Xi’s visit offers him an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the Beijing-Moscow partnership—even as Putin’s diplomatic options grow. Some observers argue that China could turn U.S. diplomatic disarray under the second Trump administration into a strategic advantage. Beijing has long believed that periods of American distraction or disruption offer an opportunity for China to expand its influence. Chinese leaders have been actively courting Europe, Asia, and the Global South, positioning Beijing as a more reliable economic and diplomatic partner—especially as Trump’s erratic tariffs, open musings about annexing foreign territories, cuts to U.S. foreign aid, and disregard for allies and international norms have alienated much of the world.

Full commentary : China’s President Xi Jinping to attend Victory Day Parade in Moscow, Russia and what it means for geopolitics.