The Russian and Chinese leaders drew on a shared view of their countries’ roles in World War II to cast their modern-day partnership as a challenge to the West.

Eurasian leaders eagerly met the Russian leader at a summit this week, as President Trump has helped ease his isolation over the war in Ukraine.

Their display of friendship in China was aimed at projecting an alternative to U.S. global leadership, even as serious differences among them remain.

With the leaders of Russia and India visiting, China’s president will show how he can use statecraft, military might and history to push for global influence.