As Xi visits Russia, Putin sees his anti-U.S. world order taking shape

As the Chinese president lands in Russia, amid Putin’s feverish anti-Western rhetoric, the world is at a dangerous crossroads. Xi may also be intent on demonstrating to Putin that if there is a new world order, then China will lead it. Although China portrays itself as a neutral party when it comes to Putin’s war in Ukraine, the Kremlin sees Xi as its strongest tacit supporter. Beijing refuses to condemn the invasion, has blamed the United States for the war and criticizes Western sanctions designed to starve Putin’s war machine of funds. The United States has warned Beijing not to do so, stirring outrage among senior Chinese officials who accused Washington of glaring “hypocrisy” given the huge flow of U.S. weapons to Kyiv.