Vladimir Putin’s unusually extended visit to China from August 31 to September 3 maps out a clear strategic declaration amidst shifting global tensions. Far from a routine summit stop, the itinerary—spanning the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin and Victory Day Parade in Beijing—projects Russia’s determination to anchor itself firmly alongside China as its primary geopolitical and economic partner. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov framed this “large-scale” visit as a sign of Moscow’s prioritization of Sino-Russian relations amid persistent discord with the West.
On August 31, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived by plane in Tianjin. (Xinhua News Agency photo)”
The visit’s packed schedule extends well beyond Sino-Russian dialogue. Putin’s meetings with leaders from India, Iran, and Turkey, alongside multi-lateral engagements at the SCO summit, reveal Russia’s broader ambition to cement strategic ties with the Global South and diversify its alliances. In Beijing, his meeting schedule includes leaders from Pakistan, Serbia, Congo, Vietnam and likely North Korea. All these signal Moscow’s efforts to maintain diplomatic initiative and regional influence amid complex global geopolitics.
Economically, the trip aims to deepen robust trade relations already reflected in a 7.5 percent growth in bilateral trade reaching US$244.9 billion in 2024. Over 90 percent of transactions now use local currencies, a crucial adaptation in the face of Western sanctions. Energy cooperation remains central, supplemented by expanded agricultural exports, co-investment in automotive projects, aerospace, and co-operation on the lunar research station project, underlining the technical depth and futurist orientation of the partnership. Chinese firms’ local production in Russia further illustrates this integration.
Putin will attend the 2025 SCO Summit. (Xinhua News Agency photo)
Politically, the visit is laced with historical symbolism and pointed messaging. Maria Zakharova, Russia’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson made it quite clear that Moscow’s emphasis on the 80th anniversary of Victory in the War against Japan, the shared WWII camaraderie, and rejection of Western “historical distortion” are not mere ceremonial rhetoric but a strategic narrative tool reinforcing bilateral solidarity. Putin’s pledge to update Chinese leaders on his mid-August talks in Alaska with U.S. President Donald Trump indicates the strategic scope of Sino-Russian communication now includes global power dynamics, signalling coordinated positioning against the West.
Xinhua News Agency photo
From the Kremlin’s vantage, this 4-day visit transcends diplomacy to affirm an evolved, comprehensive strategic partnership. Beijing’s enthusiastic reception and description of the relationship as a pivot point of “true multilateralism” in an uncertain world further bolster the message: Sino-Russian ties have entered a new phase with global reverberations far beyond bilateral cooperation. In a fracturing international order, China stands undisputed as Russia’s priority partner. Putin’s rare prolonged presence is both an act of political theater and substantive strategic signalling.
This visit draws a line: Sino-Russian relations are shaping the contours of global geopolitical and economic alignments in 2025 and beyond.
Mao Paishou
** The blog article is the sole responsibility of the author and does not represent the position of our company. **
Forget what you thought you knew—global opinion is swinging fast. The Economist’s latest survey lands like a jolt across Western capitals, with its blunt verdict: China’s cultural clout, economic horsepower, and diplomatic finesse are soaring. The United States, meanwhile, finds itself tripping over Trump-era policy stumbles. Suddenly, the world stage isn’t a one-man show. China is catching up—fast.
The Economist calls the spike in support for China “startling”. Global Times isn’t buying it. For years, Western media stuck to the storyline—China’s rise must trigger anxiety. But people aren’t buying fear-mongering anymore. The data tells a different story. Pragmatism wins. China’s steady growth and consistent, peaceful diplomacy are finding friends everywhere. It’s not magic; it’s momentum. The more China delivers—on trade, stability, real benefits—the more the world leans in.
China’s support explodes in global poll, leaving the US playing catch-up.
Breadth, Depth, and Changing Minds
Follow the numbers. In a massive poll by the Economist and GlobeScan—32,000 voices, 32 countries, July to September 2025—China’s support rockets 11 points to 33%. The United States slumps to 46%, shy of a majority anywhere. Nearly 40% call China’s global footprint “positive”—a jump from Trump’s first term. Just ask the next generation.
Gen Z isn’t sitting on the fence—they’re almost split. 41% support the United States, 39% champion China. That’s neck and neck. Flip to the over-65 crowd and the gap yawns wide—America still gets the nod by thirty points.
Look south—the warmth toward China spikes in developing nations. Young people everywhere are more open, more enthusiastic. Recent research covering 46 countries had sixty percent rating China “positive.” The global South and the global youth are jumping on the China train, and it’s not a coincidence—it’s payoff for years of tangible benefits.
Indonesia’s high-speed bullet—Jakarta–Bandung Rail powers new opportunities.
China Delivers Real Results
The startling swing may be “partly thanks to China’s Belt and Road Initiative”, which has, in the past 10 years, “seen tens of billions of dollars invested” in regions like Africa and the Middle East.
Infrastructure isn’t a talking point—it’s a revolution. Belt and Road, global initiatives, iconic mega-projects like the China-Laos Railway, Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Rail, Budapest–Belgrade Railway, and the Port of Piraeus don’t just flash headlines. They deliver: 420,000 new jobs, nearly 40 million people escaping poverty. China is laying track and lifting economies—and the world is noticing.
Labubu: China’s soft power icon storms abroad, collecting fans everywhere.
The Youth Go "Cool China"
Young people crave what’s fresh—and China’s got cool factor now. Innovation, culture, and brands like Labubu, TikTok, and Black Myth: Wukong are racking up fans overseas. Foreigners aren’t just watching—they’re coming, eager to engage. This vibrant, two-way flow builds new bridges, solidifying China's reputation as a destination, not just a headline.
TikTok: The youth can’t get enough, and China leads the digital dance.
China’s style of governance, with results for all to see, has smashed the old myth that “to modernize means to Westernize.” Countries are waking up—there’s more than one road to prosperity, and China’s path offers a real alternative for developing nations craving independence.
Global Times pulls no punches: “Unlike the rise of some major powers in history that came with war and expansion, China has always adhered to the principle of peaceful development.” In messy times, China’s steady hand—UN peacekeeping, hot-spot negotiations, and regional dialogue—makes it the stabilizing force the world is looking for.
China rejects hegemonic power tactics and calls for win–win deals with everyone. Rich nations get calls for mutual respect; developing countries get partnership with no strings attached. Dignity and trust aren’t just wordplays—they’re laid down as the new rules. As the Global Times concluded: “This approach has allowed more nations to feel respected and treated as equals, and many, especially those in the Global South, see China as a trustworthy partner”.
