Wed May 07 12:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Xi Jinping’s Moscow Visit Strengthens Russia Ties, Jeopardizes European Relations
**HONG KONG/BERLIN** – Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow this week to meet with Vladimir Putin is strengthening Sino-Russian ties, but risks undermining China’s attempts to improve relations with Europe. Mr. Xi will be the “main guest” at a military parade commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, an event intended to bolster both leaders’ legitimacy. Xi’s participation, however, will highlight China’s support for Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, potentially damaging its efforts to cultivate stronger economic ties with Europe.
The visit comes as China seeks to offset the impact of its trade war with the United States. While initial US-China trade talks are scheduled for this weekend, the prospect of a protracted conflict remains. China needs European markets to absorb exports previously destined for the US, making strong European relations crucial. Xi’s rhetoric, drawing parallels between American actions and fascism, further complicates the situation. The optics of the Xi-Putin alliance, particularly in the context of the Ukraine war, are likely to hinder China’s attempts at European rapprochement.
First Piper 