China dominates Russia as Xi repositions Putin amid war

"A time Xi Jinping admired Vladimir Putin, now he manages him," the Wall Street Journal reported. After four years of war and economic isolation, Russia has become a supplicant in a relationship that is increasingly unbalanced, according to the WSJ analysis cited by Adnkronos.

During Putin's 14th visit to Beijing, talks on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline stalled. Chinese officials told Gazprom’s CEO that they would sign only if the gas were sold at a domestic‑Russian discounted price, effectively demanding Russia finance the project. The Chinese side also urged Moscow not to raise the issue further until conditions change.

Despite tensions, Beijing continues to back Moscow’s war effort and has become a critical economic lifeline for Russia. The shift marks a structural power move: Xi now treats Putin as a junior partner, a reversal of the earlier “brother‑in‑arms” stance and reminiscent of the 1970s “Reverse Nixon” strategy. The partnership rests more on shared opposition to U.S.‑led order than on common values.