When China's President Xi Jinping meets with Russia's President Vladimir V. Putin this week, it marks over two years since their alliance against perceived American interference. However, challenges from the West have strained this partnership. Xi faces pressure to limit support for Russia's actions in Ukraine to maintain relations with Europe and the U.S. Putin, on the other hand, seeks Chinese support for his country's economy and military efforts. The leaders aim to display unity against the U.S., but China's support for Russia has drawn Western backlash. Despite this, China's strategy of aligning with Russia while engaging with the West has yielded some stability in its relations with the U.S. and Europe. Meanwhile, Putin's reliance on China has grown due to Russia's isolation from the West, making China its primary trading partner. This dependence on China has become crucial for Russia's military and economic needs, leaving Putin with little choice but to strengthen ties with China.