Putin and Xi Discuss ‘Multipolar Global Order’ After Trump’s Inauguration

In the wake of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation on Tuesday, marking another significant step in the strengthening of their bilateral ties. The two leaders discussed the future of a multipolar global order, emphasizing their shared vision of a world where power is distributed across various global players, not just dominated by the U.S. or any single nation.
In the phone call, which came a day after Trump’s inauguration, Putin stressed that Russia-China relations are grounded in equality, mutual benefits, and shared interests, independent of any political shifts in either country or the broader international environment.
Russia-China Relations: A Stronger Alliance
Putin’s comments underscore the growing partnership between Moscow and Beijing, which have increasingly aligned their interests on key global issues, from military cooperation to economic initiatives and regional security. Over the past few years, the two countries have deepened their strategic partnership, with economic ties blossoming through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Russian president’s emphasis on the independence of the Russia-China relationship comes at a time when the global order is undergoing significant shifts. The U.S. under Trump has adopted a more unilateral approach to foreign policy, distancing itself from multilateral agreements, which has led to a more assertive China and Russia seeking to reshape global governance structures in their favor.
Multipolar World Vision: Countering U.S. Influence
Both Putin and Xi have consistently called for a multipolar world, one where the U.S. no longer plays the dominant role in shaping international norms and policies. In this vision, countries like China, Russia, and other emerging powers would have greater influence in global governance, challenging the current U.S.-led system that has been in place since the end of the Cold War.
For Putin, the multipolar world is a way to counterbalance what he perceives as the hegemonic ambitions of the United States. Similarly, Xi sees the multipolar order as part of China’s rise as a global power, a position that is further solidified through growing military, economic, and political influence. As both countries increasingly challenge U.S. dominance on the world stage, their bilateral cooperation is viewed as a key part of their broader strategy.
What This Means for U.S.-China-Russia Relations
The phone call between Putin and Xi comes at a time of heightened uncertainty in global geopolitics. Under President Trump, the U.S. has shown signs of pursuing more transactional diplomacy, often sidelining multilateral forums and agreements. This has led to a recalibration of alliances and an increasing sense that the traditional West-led world order is evolving. For both Russia and China, this shift presents an opportunity to further their interests while challenging the global dominance of the United States.
The multipolar world concept isn’t just about economic power; it’s also about reshaping global institutions like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and other international frameworks. Russia and China have both been vocal about reforming these institutions to reflect the changing realities of global power dynamics, often advocating for reforms that reduce the influence of Western nations, particularly the U.S.
The Road Ahead: Strategic Cooperation
Looking ahead, Russia-China cooperation is likely to continue to grow, particularly in areas such as military collaboration, trade, and technology. As both nations seek to counter the influence of Western powers, their deepening alliance will be an important component of the global strategic balance.
In their latest conversation, Putin and Xi also discussed regional security issues, such as North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and their ongoing efforts to resolve tensions in regions like Syria and Ukraine. Their discussions highlight the increasingly synergistic approach both countries are taking to reshape regional and global security dynamics, particularly in opposition to what they see as Western interference.
As the world watches the unfolding of a new U.S. administration under Donald Trump, it is clear that Russia and China are both committed to pushing for a new world order that challenges the unipolarity that has defined international relations for decades. Their discussions on a multipolar global order reflect their growing influence on the world stage and their shared vision of a more balanced, diverse global power structure.
As the international community adapts to this evolving geopolitical landscape, the Russia-China alliance will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global governance, security, and economic relations.