Sino–Russian Vision: Will China and Russia Reap the Rewards of Global Chaos?

With the Middle East embroiled in its worst conflict in decades and Russia’s war on Ukraine continuing, Chinese president Xi Jinping is confidently asserting his role as the leader of a new authoritarian bloc. This was on full display in Beijing earlier this week, when leaders from more than 130 countries convened to celebrate ten years of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the investment and infrastructure program central to Xi’s global influence campaign. Among the guests of honor? Vladimir Putin, in his first trip to China after launching his brutal invasion of Ukraine.

The fact that Xi would accord a place of honor to Putin signals far more than the Chinese dictator’s questionable commitment to world peace: It shows Russia’s full acceptance of its place as a junior partner in a new 21st century authoritarian alignment committed to destabilizing and degrading democracy around the world. With the world facing crises on multiple fronts in conflicts fomented by authoritarian regimes, the U.S. and its partners must take urgent steps to combat the grave threat posed to global security — and to freedom itself.

MS

About the Author

Matt Schrader

Matt Schrader is the adviser for countering foreign authoritarian influence at the International Republican Institute.

DT

About the Author

Daniel Twining

Daniel Twining is the president of the International Republican Institute.

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With the Middle East embroiled in its worst conflict in decades and Russia’s war on Ukraine continuing, Chinese president Xi Jinping is confidently asserting his role as the leader of a new authoritarian bloc. This was on full display in Beijing earlier this week, when leaders from more than 130 countries convened to celebrate ten years of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the investment and infrastructure program central to Xi’s global influence campaign. Among the guests of honor? Vladimir Putin, in his first trip to China after launching his brutal invasion of Ukraine.

The fact that Xi would accord a place of honor to Putin signals far more than the Chinese dictator’s questionable commitment to world peace: It shows Russia’s full acceptance of its place as a junior partner in a new 21st century authoritarian alignment committed to destabilizing and degrading democracy around the world. With the world facing crises on multiple fronts in conflicts fomented by authoritarian regimes, the U.S. and its partners must take urgent steps to combat the grave threat posed to global security — and to freedom itself.