Xi, Putin huddle

Xi Jinping playing host to Vladimir Putin just days after Donald Trump's landmark visit is an extension of Chinese clout in global affairs. As Beijing and Moscow enjoy a common denominator of begging to differ with the Westminster governance, and are eager for nurturing a parallel system of international relations, the summit has come at an opportune moment. The 40-day war in the Middle East has changed the world for all times to come, and that was unequivocally underscored by both Putin and Xi as they called for cementing their bilateralism in pursuit of a long-term strategic understanding.

The Chinese synopsis is to promote a "more just and reasonable" global order, and that is supplemented by the Kremlin's obsession to offset the US hegemony, especially as it goes on to settle score with Ukraine in the heartland of Europe. That is why the two leaders termed their understanding as one based on the principles of equality, shared interest, mutual support and friendship. A broadly noticeable fact was the warmth with Xi eulogising his country's partnership with Russia, and Putin reciprocating with a Chinese idiom on congeniality that says "one day apart feels like three autumns."

The summit has set the ball rolling in crafting a new world order at a time when unilateralism is contested, and the American prestige and power is on the rocks. The setback for Washington in the Middle East, and the fact that Iran is still standing tall are likely talking points, apart from the way to go ahead over Taipei and Kiev. Moreover, the disdain shown to the high-powered American entourage during the Chinese visit wherein no formal big-ticket deals were done is another aspect that will push Moscow and Beijing towards socio-economic amalgamations.

The Siberia2 natural gas pipeline, an alternative to crude imported by sea, and the future of the Strait of Hormuz are there on the agenda. Xi and Putin are seized with an immense responsibility to spare the globe from another world war and an economic recession. Thus, articulately managing global stability amid mounting geopolitical and economic pressures will test their leadership.