The decision of the President of China, Xi Jinping to cross the border even though the country's Great Wall is still closed not only invites controversy, but also tenses the situation when he will meet the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
It is said that Xi will meet Putin during his visit to Kazakhstan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in the city of Samarkand on Wednesday.
In general, China is still under restrictions (lockdown) since cases involving Covid-19 are on the rise, and Xi's actions in defying the order show his power.
The last time a Chinese leader demonstrated his power was during the reign of Mao Zedong.
Economist George Magnus comments, Xi's actions that not only defy sanctions but act to meet Putin signal his authority as an international leader who opposes Western hegemony*.
*the influence of leadership or dominance by a country and social group.
Focusing on the meeting of the 2 leaders, the 'no limit' partnership between the great powers China and Russia is something that the West often worries about.
The influence of the global Communist hierarchy shared by Russia and China, predicted to overtake the United States (US) as the largest economy, is again a concern of the world.
With China seen as continuing to support Russia, then Xi's visit could signal the strengthening of bilateral relations beyond 'business partners' and strengthen China-Russia alignment, commented senior political lecturer Alexander Korolev.
