Leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin Strengthen Ties in Symbolic Victory Day Parade

On May 9, 2025, Moscow’s iconic Red Square witnessed a powerful display of geopolitical symbolism as Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the annual Victory Day parade. The event, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945, took on added global significance this year as Russia and China presented a united front amid growing tensions with the West.

The joint appearance by the two leaders was not merely ceremonial. It sent a clear message to the world that Moscow and Beijing are deepening their strategic partnership, both militarily and diplomatically. As Russian military columns marched past the Kremlin walls and Chinese honor guards joined in ceremonial tribute, the message of alignment was unmistakable.

This year’s parade featured more than 11,000 troops, including elite Chinese units, and displayed cutting-edge military hardware from both nations. The show of strength underscored the tightening bonds between the two nuclear powers. In his speech, President Putin praised China as a “key strategic ally” and emphasized the shared vision of a multipolar world order free from what he described as “Western coercion and unipolar dominance.”

President Xi, delivering remarks through a translator, spoke of “enduring friendship rooted in mutual respect and historical solidarity,” highlighting that both nations have “suffered deeply from war and foreign aggression” but now “stand together for peace and sovereignty.” His participation marks the most prominent appearance by a Chinese leader at Russia’s Victory Day in decades.

International observers noted the contrast between the celebrations in Red Square and the strained relations both countries maintain with Western powers. As NATO continues its expansion and economic sanctions tighten, the alignment of Russian and Chinese foreign policy appears increasingly purposeful. Analysts point out that both countries benefit from challenging U.S.-led global institutions and are forging new trade routes and energy partnerships as part of a broader Eurasian strategy.

Critics in the West view the growing ties with suspicion. The United States and European Union condemned the joint display, arguing it signals support for authoritarianism and defiance of international norms. Human rights groups also expressed concern over the military nature of the parade and its timing, as conflicts continue in Ukraine and tensions rise over Taiwan.

Yet for many in Russia and China, the event was seen as a celebration of resilience and national pride. Citizens waved flags, sang patriotic songs, and welcomed the symbolism of alliance. Chinese state media broadcasted the entire ceremony live, calling it a “new chapter in Sino-Russian friendship.”

As the sun set over Moscow, the day concluded with a fireworks display above the Kremlin. The imagery of the two leaders waving jointly from the reviewing platform, with military jets forming the flags of both nations in the sky, captured what many analysts believe to be a deepening global realignment.

Whether the union of Russia and China will reshape the current international order remains to be seen. However, their message on May 9 was clear: in the face of increasing pressure from the West, they are prepared to stand together.