Moscow – May 10, 2025
In a chilling show of unity and power, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood shoulder to shoulder in Moscow’s Red Square yesterday, delivering a bold and unmistakable message to the West: a new world order is taking shape — one led not by democratic ideals, but by iron alliances.
The occasion marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, celebrated in Moscow with a grand military parade featuring thousands of jackbooted soldiers, synchronized salutes, and an imposing procession of tanks and missile launchers.
But the tone of the event quickly turned from remembrance to geopolitics, as the “friends without limits” reaffirmed their deepening partnership.
“Our nations will continue to defend the principles of fairness and justice,” Xi declared, echoing Putin’s assertion that Russia and China will “stand together against hegemony and interference.” The two leaders framed their cooperation as a counterbalance to what they claim is an unstable and Western-dominated international system.
This was Xi’s 11th official visit to Russia since assuming leadership in 2013, and his first since securing an unprecedented third term as China's President. For Putin, whose three-day war in Ukraine has dragged into its third year with little sign of resolution, the visit was a diplomatic win — offering legitimacy at a time of increasing global isolation.
Notably absent from the ceremony’s narrative was any mention of the ongoing war in Ukraine, where the region of Donetsk remains a flashpoint. Despite being 1200 kilometres away, Moscow itself has not been immune to the reach of Ukrainian drones and missiles.
While the Chinese delegation made no direct comment on the conflict, their silence — paired with Xi’s physical presence — was interpreted by many analysts as tacit support for Russia’s defiance of international condemnation.
“The optics of today’s parade are about more than history,” said Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. “They’re about signalling to the world that Russia and China are prepared to reshape the rules of global engagement — on their own terms.”
Western governments have already voiced concern. A joint statement from NATO called the parade “a troubling reminder that global authoritarianism is emboldened, not diminished,” and urged continued support for Ukraine and democratic nations under threat.
As the tanks rolled past and fighter jets roared overhead, one thing became clear: the axis between Moscow and Beijing is strengthening — and the world is watching.
