By Agha Iqrar Haroon
Global foreign affairs experts and strategists portray Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China as far more than a ceremonial diplomatic engagement. They claim this visit represents another decisive step in the consolidation of one of the most consequential strategic partnerships of the 21st century.
There is no doubt that this is one of the most consequential strategic partnerships of the 21st century, but with a catch. The catch is that this partnership exists only for them to stand against a unipolar world without sharing dividends with anybody, such as Nicolás Maduro (abducted by US forces and living in US jail) or Iran, which lost the top tier of its leadership during US-Israel attacks. African countries and Cuba would also not get anything out of this strategic partnership although they are on agenda of US invasion later or sooner. In geo-conflicts, China-Russia only interests seem to be Taiwan for China and the Ukraine standoff for Russia. BRICS, which was held in India, ended without any collective communiqué and sent a message that this forum, which might have been established to challenge the unipolar world, is as useful as SAARC or CSTO. Even then, this visit is “happening,” and everybody will get out of according to once wishes.
One of my colleagues believes that, at a time when global geopolitical alignments are rapidly shifting, the Moscow-Beijing duo continues to project itself as a stabilizing force advocating multipolarity, sovereign equality, and an alternative framework for international cooperation outside Western dominance. This is true, but where is this multipolarity? She has no answer.
Among the most politically significant documents during President Putin’s visit to China will be a joint declaration supporting the establishment of a multipolar world order and a “new type of international relations.” This language carries profound geopolitical implications. It reflects the shared Russian-Chinese position that global governance should not be monopolized by any single power or alliance, but rather based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, and adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
Putin’s arrival in Beijing on May 19, where he will be received by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, signals the importance China attaches to the visit. The official program beginning on May 20 reflects the extraordinary depth and breadth of Russia-China relations. From high-level strategic discussions and economic negotiations to humanitarian exchanges and educational cooperation, the visit demonstrates how bilateral ties have evolved into a comprehensive partnership touching nearly every sphere of statecraft.
The centerpiece of the visit will be Putin’s talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Tiananmen Square, followed by narrow- and expanded-format negotiations involving senior Russian officials, deputy prime ministers, ministers, business leaders, and heads of strategic institutions. The scale of the delegation—39 high-ranking officials and corporate leaders—itself illustrates the seriousness with which Moscow views its relationship with Beijing.
The agenda is extensive. Discussions will encompass investment, energy, trade, transportation, industrial cooperation, humanitarian exchanges, education, and regional development. Special attention is expected to focus on the “Power of Siberia-2” gas pipeline project, which could further cement energy interdependence between the two countries while reshaping Eurasian energy markets. This will also reduce China’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for energy demands.
The increasing use of rubles and yuan in bilateral trade also reflects a broader trend toward de-dollarization and financial sovereignty in global commerce. This is a good move because BRICS seems to have failed regarding de-dollarization, so at least China and Russia are moving fast on the agenda. However, Chinese dependence on the US-controlled Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) sometimes hampers Russian trade with China.
The planned signing of around 40 agreements underscores the institutional maturity of the relationship.
The visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation between Russia and China. Over the past quarter-century, the treaty has evolved from a framework of regional cooperation into the foundation of a strategic partnership with global influence. The anniversary celebrations, including a state reception and photo exhibition documenting the history of bilateral relations, symbolize not merely diplomatic continuity but the institutionalization of trust between the two nations.
Equally noteworthy is the emphasis on people-to-people diplomacy. The launch of the Cross Years of Education following the successful completion of the Cross Years of Culture highlights how Moscow and Beijing seek to anchor their partnership not only in geopolitics and economics but also in civilizational and societal connections. Putin’s scheduled meeting with Chinese engineer Peng Pai—a man he first met as a child, who later studied in Moscow and now works in a major Chinese company—is intended to symbolize the human dimension of bilateral relations and the long-term success of educational and cultural exchanges.
Putin’s public message before departing for China was carefully crafted to reinforce this narrative of trust, equality, and strategic convergence. Referring to Xi Jinping as his “long-time good friend,” Putin emphasized that Russian-Chinese relations have reached an “unprecedented level,” characterized by mutual understanding, respect for sovereignty, and support on issues affecting fundamental national interests.
President Putin highlighted the remarkable growth in bilateral trade, which has exceeded $200 billion, as well as the expansion of defense, political, educational, and humanitarian cooperation. Putin also praised the growing visa-free regime between the two countries, describing it as a mechanism for deepening people-to-people contacts and fostering closer understanding between Russian and Chinese societies.
Most significantly, Putin framed the Russia-China partnership as a force for global stability rather than confrontation. According to him, Moscow and Beijing are “not pitted against anyone” but are instead “working for peace and universal prosperity.” This assertion is central to the diplomatic messaging of both countries, particularly as they intensify cooperation through multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The Kremlin has also sought to dismiss speculation that Putin’s visit is linked to recent diplomatic engagements by US President Donald Trump in China. Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov clarified that the visit had been planned months in advance following a February video conversation between Putin and Xi. Nonetheless, the timing inevitably highlights the growing competition for influence in Asia and the broader international system.
What emerges from this visit is a clear indication that Russia and China are steadily constructing a long-term strategic architecture that combines economic integration, political coordination, technological collaboration, and cultural exchange. Their partnership increasingly serves as a counterweight to unilateralism and as a platform for advocating reforms in global governance.
Whether the emerging multipolar order envisioned by Moscow and Beijing ultimately succeeds remains to be seen. However, one reality is undeniable: the Russia-China partnership is no longer a temporary alignment of convenience. It has matured into a durable strategic relationship with the capacity to shape regional and global politics for decades to come.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article/opinion/comment are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk (DND). Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of the DND Thought Center and Dispatch News Desk.
