Xi’s Post-Trump Diplomatic Blitz Advances Anti-Western Axis

Is Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s rapid moves to reinforce ties with anti-U.S. allies a sign of strength or weakness?

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping attend a bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 20, 2026. Maxim Shemetov/China Pool/Getty Images

Commentary

Within days of meeting President Donald Trump in Beijing, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin while signaling deeper coordination with Iran, North Korea, and other anti-Western states increasingly aligned against U.S. power.