Face-Off: The U.S. vs China
Soulmates: Xi and Putin
Apr 1, 2025
Lyle Goldstein, an expert on China and Russia at Brown University, and Rana Mitter, a Harvard historian, dive deep into the blossoming friendship between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. They discuss how this alliance, marked by mutual support during the Ukraine conflict, poses a challenge to U.S. interests. The conversation explores the implications of their military collaborations and emerging technologies, alongside the delicate balance of authoritarian governance in China. Together, they shed light on the potential reshaping of global power dynamics.
40:07
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Quick takeaways
- The evolving bromance between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin serves a dual purpose, strengthening personal ties while strategically assisting each other against U.S. influence.
- China's calculated support for Russia during the Ukraine conflict reflects a measured approach, prioritizing restraint to maintain its own defense posture while fostering military collaboration.
Deep dives
The Bromance Between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin
The strong friendship between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin is characterized by numerous personal interactions, including celebrating each other's birthdays and exchanging cultural gifts. This bond, often described as a 'bromance,' includes instances of cooking together and showcasing national traditions, such as sharing Russian pancake recipes and perfecting dumpling techniques. Despite their close ties, this relationship also serves a strategic purpose, as China has been providing significant assistance to Russia amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Such collaboration manifests in various forms, from military support to economic ties that help bolster Russia's wartime efforts, particularly through the purchase of energy resources.
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