“No limits partnership.” Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin used this phrase in February 2022, striking a celebratory note just weeks before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. More than four years later, the countries’ ties indeed appear to be thriving. Putin’s recent trip to Beijing, his first international visit in 2026, was the latest reminder of this relationship.
But the visit also put on display how asymmetric the Beijing-Moscow relationship has grown. With Russia entangled in an unwinnable war and burdened by a stagnating economy, China is deciding what partnership looks like and what “no limits” actually means. It is Xi, not Putin, driving the proverbial bus.
“No limits partnership.” Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin used this phrase in February 2022, striking a celebratory note just weeks before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. More than four years later, the countries’ ties indeed appear to be thriving. Putin’s recent trip to Beijing, his first international visit in 2026, was the latest reminder of this relationship.
But the visit also put on display how asymmetric the Beijing-Moscow relationship has grown. With Russia entangled in an unwinnable war and burdened by a stagnating economy, China is deciding what partnership looks like and what “no limits” actually means. It is Xi, not Putin, driving the proverbial bus.
