China and Russia Reinforce Strategic Alliance Amidst Global System Reform Discussions

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have reaffirmed the importance of Sino-Russian relations during a meeting in Beijing. Xi expressed that China attaches great significance to the development of this partnership, while Lavrov stated that Putin's re-election guarantees continuity in Russia-China relations. Both sides agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership and pledged mutual support. However, analysts suggest that China holds the upper hand in the relationship due to Russia's growing economic and diplomatic isolation, making it increasingly reliant on China. In past decades, the two countries have closely aligned their foreign policies.