(Bloomberg) — President Xi Jinping will use his state visit to Moscow this week to showcase his tight ties with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, and capitalize on a trade war that’s isolating Washington.
During his four-day trip starting Wednesday, Xi will hold his first in-person talks with President Putin since Donald Trump unleashed America’s highest tariffs in a century. He’ll also attend a parade in Red Square marking the 80th anniversary of the World War II victory over Nazi Germany by Moscow and its allies — signaling a recent US-Russia thaw hasn’t affected Beijing’s “no limits” relationship with Moscow.
President Trump’s rewriting of US trade and defense policies has rocked ties with allies from Europe to Japan, and pulled his administration away from global institutions such as the United Nations. That havoc has played into China’s mission to counter the US-led world order — a task it united with Russia over as then President Joe Biden rallied partners to contain both nations’ military power, particularly after Putin’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“Key on the agenda is what kind of opportunities there are, and how to coordinate Russia’s and Chinese actions to use these four years to undo the US hegemony,” said Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. The two men will want to “help Trump to destroy American supremacy and arrive at a multipolar world order where Russia and China can thrive.”
China’s strategy, so far, has been to court countries from the European Union to Latin America, in a bid to find new markets for exports targeted by Trump’s 145% tariff on the world’s No. 2 economy. While Trump is advancing an “America First” foreign policy to assert US global dominance, Beijing has been casting itself as the more stable superpower through a barrage of slick propaganda videos and diplomatic outreach to nations caught off guard by US actions.
However, images of Xi admiring Putin’s military power weeks after Russian forces bombed Ukrainian playgrounds, and as Moscow resists US proposals for a peace deal in Ukraine, will amplify concerns among some countries about moving closer to Beijing. European officials are fiercely opposed to China’s support of Russia despite its war in Ukraine, while Asian nations from Japan to Vietnam are wary of Beijing’s own territorial ambitions.
Putin and Xi will hold bilateral talks on May 8 including on the war in Ukraine, Russia-US relations, and cooperation within the BRICS collective and the Group of 20, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said Tuesday, according to the Interfax news service. They’ll discuss economic and energy issues including the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, and will issue joint statements as well as brief reporters, he said.
Xi will headline a line-up of Global South leaders at the Friday parade, including Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro — a reminder that many nations have upheld ties with Russia. With Trump saying this week the first trade deals could come in days, China’s top leader will have the chance to warn other leaders against striking pacts that sell out Beijing.
The trip also takes place as both Russia and China face fresh economic challenges. For Beijing, Trump’s tariffs are biting, with factory activity last month taking a hit, giving its neighbor’s imports added importance. Russia, one of the few countries to escape “reciprocal tariffs” amid sweeping sanctions on its economy, is facing headwinds from Europe’s plan to sever gas links with the country, and its fourth year of funding a grinding war.
The Chinese leader will likely be looking to Putin for more political support after a BRICS meeting of emerging market nations last month avoided mentioning Trump or the US by name, despite China’s indications it wanted to leverage the group to push back against Washington.
Xi’s parade attendance is a sign of “solidarity with Russia,” said Fyodor Lukyanov, head of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, which advises the Kremlin. “This shows the partnership between Russia and China is developing regardless of Washington’s efforts,” he added.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed speculation the Trump administration’s decision to revive long-halted talks with Moscow, in order to strike a peace deal, are an attempt to peel Russia away from China.
Terms being discussed between Moscow and the US include a frozen conflict that would grant Russia de facto control of territory in eastern and southern Ukraine that it seized in the war — a plan that largely matches a proposal Beijing suggested years ago, handing Xi an ideological win.
Despite that, a think tank affiliated with China’s Ministry of State Security in a recent commentary appeared to signal some discomfort in how negotiations were unfolding — seemingly laying that criticism at Trump’s door. Direct talks might accelerate a deal, it said, but bypassing multilateral institutions “will lead to further fragmentation of the global order.”
A separate report by the same think tank gave a gloomy assessment of Russia’s economy, highlighting problems such as a debt-pile up, a labor shortage and inflation. The researchers didn’t speculate on what that could mean for China. While a weaker Russia might give Xi more leverage, there is also the possibility that a Putin under pressure moves closer to the US.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, unprecedented Western sanctions have forced Moscow to increase its exports toward China. Bilateral trade hit a new record of $245 billion in 2024, up 68% from 2021, according to Chinese customs data.
The speed of that growth, however, has tapered off since a mid-2024 peak, with exports in the first quarter the lowest since mid-2022, the immediate aftermath of the invasion. Part of that is due to a slump in Russian imports of Chinese cars, which soared in popularity after foreign firms exited. That trend collapsed in recent months, partly due to Russian tax hikes.
“Moscow wanting more investment as opposed to just exports from China is understandable,” said John Gong, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing who has worked as a consultant for China’s Commerce Ministry. But without a more secure environment in Russia, it’s a hard proposition for many Chinese investors, he added.
Still, with Putin now being courted by Trump, Xi might offer some more carrots during this trip, according to Neil Thomas, a fellow for Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis. “Maybe this is when Beijing decides to play nice on a couple of things that Russia wants, like the Power of Siberia 2,” he said.
Russia has been pushing to secure China’s agreement for the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, which would run through Mongolia. Beijing has been hesitant to finalize an agreement, on the grounds it isn’t in urgent need of additional fuel and prefers to maintain a variety of supply options, without relying on a single country.
Any tensions brought about by a Trump team-brokered end to the war in Ukraine, or slowing trade between the two sides, appear out-weighed by the joint goal of challenging US power on the world stage.
Ahead of Xi’s visit, Putin highlighted Russia’s “strategic” ties with China in a documentary broadcast on Russian state television May 4. “Turbulence in the world has not diminished, but only increased, and we have such reliable, stable relations that the very fact of their existence strengthens global stability,” he said.
China and Russia want to set a new model of great power relations, said Wang Yiwei, a professor of international relations at Renmin University and former diplomat seen as close to the government in Beijing.
“The US system is more led by the US, it’s not equal, it’s not inclusive,” he said. “China and Russia always need each other to support the multipolar world.”
Paris, before and after…. Beautiful song
Rita Charras – Oh Paris!
https://youtu.be/ol5ICq3kvI0?si=PWFvyqjMYxbMsL-g
Big difference between the formerly white, Christian Paris and the current multi colored, multi religious, multicultural Paris of today.
More proof that multiculturalism brings social decay.
The current scenes of Paris remind me of Philadelphia, PA today. Philadelphia is a rotting city that is mostly black and Democrat. Avoid the black and multiracial areas.
Wow! What a deplorable, filthy, disgusting, situation! Big metropolitan cities, stay away!
Mike Huckabee in fake Israel says this, Ambassador Huckabee said, “I have never used any other term than ‘Judea and Samaria.’ It would be a historical injustice and a blasphemy against the Bible to use any other terms. President Trump loves this country. You have sacrificed a lot to live in these places. You have paid with blood, sweat, and tears. This place is a miracle. Only the existence of God can explain your existence here. I believe in the Bible, and I have no faith without you. I owe you a spiritual debt. The Jewish people are a revolution, teaching us how to live in the world. Jewish existence represents life according to God’s rules, and that is why so many people in the world want to kill Jews. Because they want to kill God. You represent God’s presence and His choice in this land.
“You are not alone. We stand with you, and so do many in the world. Whoever does not stand with you, does not stand with God.”
This is blasphemy!
Of course, if he is referring to the God of this world, then he’s right!
UK Stats Chief Steps Down Amid Mistrust in Key Economic Data
(Bloomberg) — Britain’s most senior statistician is stepping down amid a crisis of confidence in the country’s official economic data, according to people familiar with the situation.
Ian Diamond will leave the role as head of the Office for National Statistics after criticism from senior politicians and Bank of England officials over its handling of a plunge in responses to key surveys following the Covid pandemic.
The people said staff have been told that Diamond is stepping down due to ill health.
In an email to staff, Diamond said it “has been a privilege to lead ONS over the past five and a half years.”
“We can be so proud of the prominent role that independent statistics and data have played in informing the critical decisions of the day,” he said.
Diamond’s departure came after the reliability of Britain’s economic statistics was undermined by tumbling response rates to household questionnaires, particularly its labor market survey.
It has rocked the credibility of crucial economic figures and left the BOE in the dark over the state of the labor market at a vital moment when it is deciding whether it can ease the pressure on borrowers.
While national statistic agencies worldwide are grappling with similarly declining response rates to household surveys, the ONS plunge was so acute that it temporarily withdrew its estimates for unemployment, employment and economic inactivity. The response rate on the labor force survey collapsed to below 20%. The estimates have been reinstated but are not trusted by economists.
BOE officials have repeatedly expressed their dismay at delays to replace the survey with a new online-led questionnaire.
Makes one wonder how accurate are the economic figures . Given the above article the economic figures are probably much worse than what we are told. Much more unemployment and much more inflation.
By the way, sick and dying people do not answer surveys.
Except from article published in Russia May 7 from the Chinese dictator.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the restoration of Taiwan. Taiwan’s restoration to China is a victorious outcome of WWII and an integral part of the postwar international order. A series of instruments with legal effect under international law, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, have all affirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. The historical and legal fact therein brooks no challenge. And the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 brooks no challenge. No matter how the situation on the Taiwan island evolves or what troubles external forces may make, the historical trend toward China’s ultimate and inevitable reunification is unstoppable.
“China and Russia have all along firmly supported each other on issues bearing on our respective core interests or major concerns. Russia has reiterated on many occasions that it strictly adheres to the one-China principle, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, it opposes any form of “Taiwan independence,” and it firmly supports all measures of the Chinese government and the Chinese people to achieve national reunification. China highly commends Russia’s consistent position.
Here in Japan now, everybody is on their phones, men wear make up, well-dressed, sure, but the real Japan died during the lost generation and the war. There is a statue of liberty given by formerly Ruben, France, here as well, I just saw it again yesterday. It has the USA independence date and exact replica except smaller. Symbolically and realistically, this place will get invaded by China. Chinese people are so obnoxiously loud everywhere , even among other Japheth/ham languages/people, Chinese stand out, despite Japan using some of the Chinese characters plus two other writing systems. Every South East Asian /East Asian country, spots Chinese. The more westernized Chinese like in Singapore/Malaysia/Taiwan, totally different. I can see it. Japan will get invaded. Japan mentions what it will do if Taiwan is invaded, nothing, they cannot.
Lets keep watching
The conclave has yet to elect a new pope. They are having a difficult time finding a cardinal who will be even more wicked than the sodomite-living Jesuit Freemason Francis.
Maybe they will select the Anti Christ.
And somehow, they will pull it off! Can’t wait to see the selection. Will it be a Roman named Peter?
My gut feeling is that a Pope will be selected in the next few days but what he will be like is anyone’s guess.
Manasseh and Ephraim announcing a trade deal this morning.
This blog always indicated that England would side with the United States. Two brothers joined at the hip. Since the writer of this blog doesn’t belong to any organized religion, he understands where the last day Israelites are located. He understands last day prophecies at the end.
White smoke. American pope. Robert Francis Prevost
Well, this guy is an evil guy! He will no doubt drag the universal church into further depravity!
Robert Francis Prevost appears to be liberal leaning middle of the road based on my initial research. Not as progressive as the late Pope Francis. However, I see some dark spots about Prevost:
1) He was lenient towards the priests that molested children.
2) He is a communist mindset as he champions for the “underdog”
It is interesting that they chose an American born as pope. Another problem with this guy is that I read he became a Peruvian citizen so obviously some disillusionment with the USA.
It seems that he’s big on liberation theology. That’s a big Marxist ideal in Latin America and the Western hemisphere. He should fit in very well with the Western hemispheric dictators. It’s interesting that they chose a pope from the United States.
He’s a big supporter of Pope Francis and pushes for women’s rights in the church and social justice issues.
Although the prophecy of the popes expires in 2027, I have to conclude that the prophecy of the popes is dead. I guess it was a scam just like the secrets of Fatima.
His father was of French and Italian descent, while his mother was of European Spanish descent.
I think the Fatima apparitions were done by extraterrestrials working for Satan to mislead us and misdirect us. It is possible that Malachy’s prophecies were done by Satan as well to mislead us. I used to listen to a lot of these Christian end time “prophets” but I got tired of them as for several years I am still waiting for their predicted events to transpire. They never transpired so far. Most of these predictions are hoaxes.
When you say extraterrestrials, you mean fallen angels right? There are no little green men from so called far away galaxies.
Yes, extraterrestrials are fallen angels. Little green men are demons in disguise from the realms of hell not far away galaxies.
The late Pope Francis was elevating Prevost for many years. This tells me he will continue the Church’s progressive march to Marxism and maybe ecumenicalism.
If this is true, not good! Think crop dusters!
The Canadian government has begun ramping up testing for a chilling new Covid mRNA “AeroVax” that seeks to overcome “vaccine hesitancy” by using aerosols to “vaccinate” the general public.
As the saying goes, my friend, the enemy of my enemy. China and Russia, non Adamic man, of course gang up on the tribes of Israel! It’s all coming together.
It will be interesting how the latest trade talks by the US and China pan out. I am inclined to think,just like someone else on this blog said , that it is a dog and pony show . Nothing will come of it.
This latest move by Xi cozying up to Putin is a big red flag that he cannot be trusted by the US.
Deal or no deal, China will stab us in the back. They are our enemy.
Some have been saying dog and pony for awhile now. These news reports are propaganda. The BRI(belt road initiative project runs right thru the Ukraine and will end in Rotterdam. That’s where the money is going, that’s what is happening. Huge infranstructure projects! Potholes for you, new roads and bridges for them. Although some of the funds are going to domestic projects, why all the big boys go along with it and keep their mouths shut.
Military units are involved but working together not in a trench or battlefield fighting each other. There isn’t a war, millions of people and soldiers have not been killed in the last 3 years. It’s not my opionion, there is no “I called it”, it’s what is happening and NOBODY in the mainstream or alt media has said anything about it. The recent Israel/Gaza event is a hoax and any 3rd grader could figure that one out. It’s all controlled.
Where else can you get this information? Only right here on terminal economics, in the comment sections. Pat yourselves on the back for getting the truth first that nobody else wants to hear or put out. This news would make every authority figure in the USA look really bad and a traitor. How can we get justice for being lied to and betrayed?
Also many of the leaders of China have Japanese ancestory, so keep that in mind if there is reported conflicts in the media. The Elites are related and married to each other, they are not each other’s enemy.