The meeting of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow brought about several notable agreements, signifying the growing social, political and economic ties between China and Russia. As China’s reliance on Russian energy increases, so do the broader implications this strategic alliance could have on US geopolitics.

Commenting on the recent reached China-Russia joint statement, Su Xiaohui says that China and Russia are not allying against the US and China is not seeking Russia’s support in its territorial disputes.

Xi Jinping has chosen Moscow as the destination for his first state visit in his new capacity as the Chinese president, a decision that has caught the attention of the international community. Some people see it as a readily understandable decision, while others regard it with unease.

The fact that Xi Jinping's first foreign visit as China's president will be to Russia is symbolic. Russia is, of course, a neighbor across a 4,355-km-long border. It is also an important source of raw materials and military technology for China.

The atmospherics surrounding Xi Jinping’s coming trip to Russia – his first visit to a foreign country as China’s new president – recall a Soviet slogan from the late 1950’s: “Russia-China, Friendship Forever.” Fortunately for both sides, the slogan appears more valid now than it was then.