Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
In fact, China might even be pulling the strings on Russia’s war strategy.
In fact, China might even be pulling the strings on Russia’s war strategy.
What is happening?
A massive military parade took place in Beijing today. Front-row guests included Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian.
More than symbolism, the gathering reflects rising global realignments.
The real agenda
Journalist and Russia expert, Malcolm Dixelius tells Swedish media Aftonbladet, that he believes the true purpose of the event is strategic.
He says the leaders are working toward a “multipolar world”—one that weakens American global dominance.
Ukraine war on the table
A key topic behind closed doors: the war in Ukraine.
According to Dixelius, Russia and China are now openly discussing how the conflict could—and should—end.
China’s influence over Russia
“The Chinese have a lot of leverage over Russia,” Dixelius said.
That influence, he adds, gives China serious sway over the course and conclusion of the Ukraine war.
Russian banking crisis ahead
Russia faces a financial crunch in 2026. Putin’s rearmament push forced state banks to issue unsustainable soft loans.
A brewing banking crisis is driving urgency behind Russia-China talks.
Negotiating the war’s end
Dixelius says economic pressure has led Chinese and Russian officials to secretly negotiate peace terms.
China’s support is not unconditional—it comes with expectations.
No U.S. concessions
China is reportedly warning Russia not to engage too closely with the U.S., especially under Trump.
“No concessions to the U.S.” seems to be Beijing’s firm message to Moscow.
Trump’s energy ambitions
Trump wants to foster U.S.-Russia cooperation in energy.
But according to Dixelius, China is urging Putin not to take that path—even if it offers short-term gains.
Not an equal partnership
Dixelius is blunt:
“Russia is one-tenth the size of China, both in population and economy.”
In his view, Russia is drifting toward vassal status under China’s shadow.
The Alaska Summit
Some say Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska could shift alliances. Dixelius disagrees.
China sees Trump as temporary and believes it can outlast his administration.
Beijing plays the long game
“The Chinese have a very long-term perspective,” Dixelius explained.
They’re strategic, patient, and unfazed by short-term Western political swings.
Putin’s gas deal rejected
China has shown little interest in the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline.
Despite Putin’s repeated pushes, Beijing isn’t biting on expanding energy imports from Russia.
Arctic ambitions take priority
Instead of gas, China wants Arctic access.
As the ice melts, the Northern Sea Route could transform global shipping—and China wants in, with Russia’s help.
A shortcut to Europe
The Arctic route saves two weeks on shipping to Europe.
“It takes 14 days less to transport a container,” said Dixelius.
For China, that’s a game-changing advantage.
China sets the pace
From peace negotiations to trade routes, it’s China—not Russia—leading the way.
As Dixelius puts it, “It is China that sets the pace.”
