“This is just another sign of how important this relationship is for both Putin and Xi,” Standish said, alluding to Putin’s trip to China. He emphasized that this is the 43rd time the two leaders have met since Xi Jinping became the head of the Chinese Communist Party.

“Obviously, against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, China, and Russia, their dynamic is increasingly important, both in terms of geopolitics in the world but also for one another,” he added.

Putin’s trip is intended to celebrate his fifth inauguration as president. As he arrived in China on Thursday, Putin received a warm welcome from his Chinese counterpart, and the state media outlet Xinhua described the meeting as a visit between old friends.

Before the trip, Putin emphasized the exceptional strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing. The two sides aim to enhance their collaboration in various areas, including space exploration and peaceful nuclear energy, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry ahead of Putin’s visit. Ukraine is also expected to be on the agenda, according to Ukrainian media, citing the Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov. Later today, the two leaders will attend a gala celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Soviet Union’s recognition of the People’s Republic of China.

Putin’s visit is also significant in the context of Xi Jinping’s recent trip to Europe, where he signed strategic partnerships with Hungary and Serbia—two European countries known for their pro-Moscow stance amid the Ukraine war. Could this be a sign of a greater alliance?