Xi and Putin hold the West together, whether Trump likes it or not

The Atlantic’s recent examination of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin’s growing partnership provides a revealing look at the limits of U.S. influence under Donald Trump’s disruptive foreign policy. The article highlights how, despite Trump’s attempts to “unite” Russia and China against U.S. rivals, Beijing has not seized the opportunity to exploit fissures in Western alliances. Instead, China continues to treat established democracies—the United States, the European Union, Japan, and their partners—as the primary obstacle to its global ambitions, with Russia serving as a crucial counterbalance.

At a recent meeting in Beijing, Xi and Putin demonstrated the closeness of their relationship, celebrating new agreements, including a major gas pipeline that deepens economic ties. Yet the Atlantic argues that China’s foreign policy is strategic, not opportunistic: Xi has not moved to patch relations with Europe, even as Trump’s actions alienated Washington’s traditional allies. Beijing’s hardline stance on Ukraine, combined with aggressive trade policies, has limited any chance of using the U.S.-Europe rift to its advantage.

In Asia, China’s assertiveness continues to alienate neighbors rather than draw them into a Sino-centric orbit. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea and ongoing support for North Korea strain relationships with key regional players. While countries like South Korea and India maintain engagement with China, Beijing’s backing of North Korea and Pakistan’s military capabilities undermines trust. The Atlantic emphasizes that China’s strategy is long-term and measured: rather than opportunistically exploiting Trump’s disruption of U.S. alliances, Xi prioritizes Russia as a strategic partner and focuses on strengthening China’s position in the global South while resisting compromises that might alienate Putin.

Analysts quoted in the piece underscore the enduring logic of the China-Russia partnership. Sergey Radchenko of Johns Hopkins notes that China sees Western countries as a unified bloc with shared interests, limiting the payoff of attempting to drive wedges. Alexander Gabuev of Carnegie adds that both Xi and Putin view the U.S. alliance system as designed to keep rivals weak, which reinforces their inclination to act in tandem. The article concludes that, paradoxically, the alignment of China and Russia—combined with the West’s perception of shared values—has stabilized the alliance network that Trump sought to disrupt.

The Atlantic also highlights China’s approach to the global South, where Xi is advancing initiatives to strengthen developing nations’ role in international decision-making. Yet these moves are incremental, and Beijing has not yet fully leveraged Trump’s transactional disruptions to U.S. leadership. In other words, while opportunities exist, China is pursuing a cautious, strategic path rather than opportunistic realignment.

Ultimately, the Atlantic portrays Xi and Putin’s partnership as a stabilizing force for the U.S. alliance system, even as it challenges American dominance. By maintaining alignment and treating the West as a unit, they leave the door open for future U.S. leaders to restore influence and repair the global order. The article suggests that Trump’s erratic foreign policy may create openings, but Beijing and Moscow’s disciplined strategic approach ensures that the West remains cohesive—at least for now.

By Vugar Khalilov