When Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin of Russia declared a "no limits” partnership 10 months ago, the pair projected an aura of strength in a direct challenge to the United States and the West.
As the two leaders met again Friday via video, they found themselves in positions of weakness, encumbered by geopolitical and economic threats to their informal authoritarian alliance. Both now have little room to maneuver, making the relationship all the more important, albeit also a lot more complicated.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February, Putin has been isolated and highly dependent on China to maintain a semblance of diplomatic and financial stability. His needs have intensified in recent months as the Kremlin has suffered setbacks on the battlefield in a grinding war that has killed thousands of civilians and left Russia’s economy vulnerable.