Are Xi and Putin still ‘best friends’? – The Latest

The relationship between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin is undergoing a subtle but significant shift, with China now holding the upper hand in their bilateral dynamic. Despite their long-standing alliance and Xi's past description of Putin as his 'best and most intimate friend,' the latest meeting in Beijing—coming just days after Trump's visit—reveals a new power imbalance. China is leveraging its diplomatic momentum to position itself as a global arbiter, using the visit to sign tech and trade deals, including a major gas pipeline, on terms favorable to Beijing. Meanwhile, Russia, battered by war and sanctions, is increasingly dependent on China for economic and strategic support. Behind the scenes, China has provided diplomatic cover and military cooperation to Russia, even as it publicly maintains neutrality on Ukraine. The optics of the event—pomp, pageantry, and a carefully choreographed display of unity—contrast sharply with the underlying asymmetry, raising questions about whether China is using its relationship with Russia to amplify its own global influence rather than simply supporting a struggling ally. This moment underscores a broader realignment in global power, where China is no longer just a partner but a central player shaping the international order.