Putin Closes China Visit with Bold Message on Global Order and Trade Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his four-day visit to China with a commanding press briefing in Beijing, leaving no doubt about the evolving global power dynamics and Russia’s pivotal role. Praising the unusually strong Russia-China partnership and key agreements like the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline, Putin underscored the shared vision for a multipolar world challenging Western dominance. On the Ukraine conflict, he blamed NATO expansion for sparking the war, expressing willingness for peace talks but warning he could end the conflict by force if necessary. Putin also fiercely criticised Western sanctions, denouncing the US and Europe for using the Ukraine conflict as a “pretext” to impose unfair trade restrictions on Russia and its allies. Highlighting India and China’s stature as major economic powers, he firmly stated, “You cannot talk to India or China in that way,” emphasising the end of colonial-style diplomacy. The briefing coincided with China’s grand military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japanese militarism, with Putin appearing alongside Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un in a show of strength. In a lighter moment, leaked video captured Putin and Xi joking about the possibility of humans living up to 150 years, reflecting on advances in medical science. Overall, Putin’s remarks positioned Russia as a steadfast partner in a reshaping global order while signaling firm resistance to Western economic and political pressures.