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Pancakes, vodka, ice hockey and friendship medals.
If ever two leaders want the world to see their "bromance", they are Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.
This week, in the far east of the vast Russian territorial empire, the two men found themselves, reaffirming their friendship and presiding over joint war games involving no less than 300,000 soldiers.
The biggest Russian exercises since the Soviet Union are not only a projection of Putin's military might, but also a unified message to the West.
Although low population density Mongolia is also involved, Chinese warships and planes are the ones that attract the most attention.
"We will continue to work together to strengthen our traditional friendship, strengthen our global cooperation and push the Sino-Russian relationship to new heights," Xi said in Vladivostok, a Russian port city in the heart of the country. Northeast Asia. .
If his language sounded measured, the optics left no doubt about the proximity of these two leaders.
With aprons, two of the most powerful men in the world entered a makeshift kitchen to prepare caviar blini (a sort of pancake) – a reciprocal gesture after the two men assembled Chinese "baozi" in Tianjin. three months ago.
They grilled vodka, exchanged jokes, and at the time of serious business, they supported each other.
Putin agreed to "oppose unilateralism and trade protectionism", probably at the request of China.
In the face of Donald Trump's tariffs, Beijing desperately wants to rally international support, and his Russian counterpart has agreed.
Jacqueline Westermann, of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the behavior manifested itself despite China's reluctance to consider the Allied countries.
"I would not say it's an alliance but it sends the message that they see each other as potential allies," she said.
"In the past, the [Russian] Mistrust of China was known, but the fact that they are now openly talking about a relationship of trust sends an important message. "
But under the heat, some analysts believe that long-standing mutual suspicions remain.
Putin said he supports Xi's multibillion belt and road infrastructure plan, but must worry about the fact that Chinese liquidity across Asia central will dilute the traditional influence of Russia in this country.
But with icy relations with the West, he is turning more and more to the east for support.
Alexey Muraviev, of Curtin University, said Russia's Matter of Fact program wanted Russia not to be disrupted by sanctions.
"The Russians want to show the United States, NATO, the West that the sanctions are not working and that Russia is not changing its strategic course," said Dr. Muraviev.
At the height of the Cold War tensions, Moscow gathered troops at the Chinese border and Beijing went to the United States to fear a Russian attack.
At the time, ideological tensions over communist orthodoxy and national interests tore apart socialist neighbors.
Now, it is almost impossible to imagine a similar situation.
But with the desire of both leaders to revive their respective countries, it is likely that they will keep a watchful eye on each other to make sure that the gains in strength and energy can be achieved. National influences are not made at their own expense.
Topics:
Government and politics,
foreign Affairs,
world politics,
Russian Federation,
China
