• Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin hailed their ties as "unprecedentedly high" during a meeting in Beijing.
• The leaders met ahead of a significant military parade commemorating the end of World War II.
• Both criticized the "bullying behavior" of Western nations, especially the US.
• Preparations included discussions on increased cooperation and joint agreements between China and Russia.
• North Korea's Kim Jong Un will also attend the military parade, showcasing solidarity among these nations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met this week in Beijing, where they emphasized the exceptional state of their nations' relationship amid rising tensions with the United States. Xi referred to Putin as an “old friend,” and the Russian leader stated that their ties are at an “unprecedentedly high level,” highlighting the strategic partnership that has deepened, particularly since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to TRT Global and The Jakarta Post.

The discussions come just before a major military parade in Beijing that marks the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, an event intended to demonstrate strength and solidarity among allied nations. Putin noted, "We were always together then, we remain together now," referring to their historical cooperation against wartime adversaries. Both leaders are expected to showcase their unity, bolstered by criticisms aimed at Western countries during their talks, according to Newsweek and Al Jazeera.

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Tianjin the previous day, both leaders expressed a commitment to forming a multipolar world that can counter Western dominance, with Xi urging that "global governance has reached a new crossroads." In line with this, discussions are ongoing on enhancing trade and military cooperation, with significant agreements, including a new pipeline contract between China's National Petroleum Corporation and Russia's Gazprom, being finalized, as noted in reports by The Hill and TRT Global.

Additionally, both Putin and Xi are preparing to receive around two dozen world leaders, including North Korea's Kim Jong Un, at the parade. This showcases not only their friendship but also an expanding alliance intended to send a clear message to the West about their collective political and military will, as outlined by The Jakarta Post and Newsweek.