As Putin visits China, distrust simmers beneath an anti-U.S. alliance

A video message before a visit proclaimed unprecedented, equal-level relations and cooperation between Moscow and Beijing. During the visit, growing imbalance appears as China’s economic and political power rises while Russia’s position weakens. Russia’s economy is faltering and sanctions increase dependence on China. Distrust persists, including a possible espionage case. China showcases advanced ambitions in AI, robotics, and renewable energy, while Russia faces Ukrainian drone attacks and reduced Victory Day celebrations due to security fears. At a trade exhibition in Harbin, a Russian deputy prime minister expressed dismay at the disparity in capabilities, saying Russia had only honey and crabs while China had drones and robots. The relationship once framed as limitless increasingly leaves Moscow on the back foot.

"But as Putin visits - days after President Donald Trump's summit with Xi Jinping - there is growing imbalance between Russia and China, which are longtime allies against the United States, but also uneasy neighbors."

"China's economic and political might on the world stage continues to grow, while Putin appears to be in one of the weakest positions since he ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western officials and analysts said."

"The Russian economy is faltering, and punitive sanctions are increasing Moscow's dependency on Beijing. Meanwhile, there is distrust beneath the surface, with at least one possible espionage case simmering in Russia."

""When I saw that we only had honey and crabs, while our friends had drones and robots, I must admit I was a bit upset," Trutnev, who is also Putin's special envoy to Russia's Far East, told reporters at the event."

Read at The Washington Post