Rosenberg: Putin enjoys Xi’s Chinese welcome but heads home without pipeline deal
Rosenberg: Putin enjoys Xi’s Chinese welcome but heads home without pipeline deal
A Symbolic Welcome in Beijing
Rosenberg – The atmosphere in Beijing during the recent summit between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping was steeped in a sense of unity, almost as if the city had temporarily adopted the grandeur of Moscow. As the two leaders walked the red carpet into the Great Hall of the People, a Russian military band performed the iconic melody of *Moscow Nights*, a romantic piece that seemed to echo the emotional weight of their encounter. The refrain, “If only you knew how these Moscow Nights are dear to me,” resonated with a subtle undertone of political sentiment. Was this a hint of affection, or perhaps a nod to the enduring bond between the two nations?
Public displays of friendship were abundant. Putin greeted Xi with the words, “My dear friend,” while Xi responded, “My old friend.” These exchanges underscored their efforts to cultivate a narrative of deep mutual trust. Over the years, the pair has shared more than 40 high-level meetings, consistently framing their alliance as one of “strategic co-operation” and “partnership.” In these moments, their rhetoric often aligned on shared grievances, particularly their criticism of U.S. nuclear policies and Donald Trump’s proposal for a Golden Dome missile defense system. Such critiques highlighted their common goal of countering Western dominance on the global stage.
Strategic Rhetoric and Shared Concerns
Despite the warmth of their public interactions, the summit also revealed the complexities of their relationship. The Russian government newspaper, *Kommersant*, had run a striking front-page image the day before the meeting: one of a solitary Trump ascending the steps of Air Force One after his China trip, juxtaposed with a photograph of Putin and Xi walking together. This visual contrast aimed to reinforce the idea that Russia and China stood as equals, unshaken by the turmoil in the U.S.-Russia relationship.
Yet, beneath the surface, the two nations’ interests diverged. Putin’s primary objective was to secure progress on the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, a project designed to deliver Russian gas to northern China via Mongolia. For Moscow, this initiative was crucial in compensating for the decline of European markets, which had become increasingly resistant to Russian energy imports. The pipeline, however, faced delays in Beijing, where officials appeared reluctant to commit to a final agreement. While a memorandum of understanding had been signed the previous year, the lack of urgency suggested China was weighing its options carefully.
Analysts point to several factors behind Beijing’s hesitance. Chief among them is the concern over energy dependence. Russia’s fossil fuel exports, particularly natural gas, have long been a cornerstone of China’s energy strategy. But as global markets evolve and energy security becomes a top priority, China seeks to diversify its sources. The lingering threat of Western sanctions and the shifting dynamics of international trade have made Beijing cautious about over-relying on a single supplier, even one as powerful as Russia.
Energy Ambitions and Geopolitical Calculus
The pipeline project, though a symbol of their partnership, also exposed the economic pragmatism that underpins their alliance. Russian officials had hoped for a breakthrough in Beijing, but the results were mixed. On Wednesday, the Kremlin announced that a “general understanding on the parameters” of the Power of Siberia 2 project had been reached, yet no definitive agreement emerged. This ambiguity left Moscow with a sense of disappointment, but not necessarily surprise.
“The positions of Russia and China are not identical. Their interests do not always coincide,” *Kommersant* acknowledged in the same edition that featured the side-by-side photo of Putin and Xi. This admission reflected the reality of a relationship between two global powers: while their partnership is strong, it is not without friction. The article added that such differences are inevitable given their respective ambitions and the unpredictable nature of international politics.
Putin’s visit to Beijing also served as a reminder of the shifting tides in global diplomacy. Just months prior, the term “bromance” had been used to describe the relationship between Putin and Trump, as the two leaders sought to mend their strained ties. During their Alaska summit last summer, officials from both nations spoke of a “spirit of Anchorage,” implying a temporary thaw in their rivalry. However, the war in Ukraine persisted, and the “spirit of Anchorage” has since faded, replaced by a more transactional dynamic.
The Illusion of Unity: A Delicate Balance
While the summit reinforced the image of a Russia-China alliance, it also highlighted the challenges of maintaining such a partnership. The two nations, though united in their opposition to Western policies, operate with distinct priorities. Russia’s need for new markets and economic stability contrasts with China’s focus on securing long-term supply chains and reducing vulnerabilities to external pressures. This divergence is not a sign of discord but rather a reflection of the intricate balance required to sustain a strategic partnership.
The lack of a final agreement on the pipeline underscored this reality. Although the project had been discussed at length, Beijing’s reluctance to finalize terms suggested a deeper calculation. Some experts argue that China’s hesitation is driven by the desire to avoid entanglements in Russia’s geopolitical maneuvers. By maintaining a diversified energy portfolio, Beijing can hedge against potential risks, such as sanctions or disruptions in the supply chain. This approach also allows China to assert its influence in global energy markets, positioning itself as a key player rather than a dependent partner.
Meanwhile, Russia’s focus on the pipeline project reflected its strategic vision. The Power of Siberia 2 initiative was not just about energy exports; it was a geopolitical move to solidify its presence in Asia and counterbalance Western pressure. For Putin, the deal would have been a tangible symbol of his leadership’s success, demonstrating Russia’s ability to secure vital economic interests despite the challenges of international isolation. However, the absence of a deal meant that this vision remained unfulfilled, at least for now.
The Fragile Legacy of the Anchorage Spirit
The comparison to the Putin-Trump bromance is telling. At one point, their relationship had been framed as a partnership of mutual respect and shared goals, with the Alaska summit seen as a turning point in U.S.-Russia relations. Yet, the war in Ukraine has since complicated this narrative, revealing the limits of their cooperation. The “spirit of Anchorage” has become a relic, a reminder of a time when the two leaders were able to set aside differences for the sake of collaboration.
Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, noted this contrast during the Beijing summit. “The spirit of Beijing exists,” he remarked, “but the spirit of Anchorage? I never used that phrase.” His comment captured the essence of the Russia-China relationship: it is rooted in a shared ideology and strategic alignment, yet it remains subject to the same pragmatic considerations that have shaped their dealings with other nations. While the bond between Putin and Xi is strong, it is not immune to the pressures of diplomacy and economics.
As the summit concluded, the two leaders left with a sense of accomplishment, having reinforced their alliance through public gestures and joint statements. Yet, the unfulfilled pipeline deal served as a quiet reminder that even the most formidable partnerships are not without challenges. In the world of geopolitics, unity is often a product of necessity rather than sentiment, and the Russia-China relationship is no exception. The interplay of trust, ambition, and self-interest continues to shape their interactions, ensuring that their bond, while enduring, remains a work in progress.
For now, the focus is on maintaining the momentum of their collaboration. With the world watching closely, the leaders must navigate the delicate balance between solidarity and strategic calculation. Whether the pipeline project will be completed in the near future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the relationship between Russia and China, while deep, is a partnership that evolves with the tides of global power and economic opportunity.