- Putin and Xi held formal talks in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People
- Around 40 agreements are expected across energy, trade, technology and security sectors
- Key focus areas include the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline and currency-based trade settlement
- Both sides discussed Ukraine war, Middle East tensions and global security
- Leaders reaffirmed push for a multipolar global order
BEIJING, May 20 (Agencies): Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held high-level talks in Beijing on Wednesday as both countries moved to strengthen strategic cooperation amid growing geopolitical tensions and shifting global alliances.
Putin arrived in the Chinese capital for a two-day state visit during which the two leaders conducted formal negotiations at the Great Hall of the People, followed by expanded delegation-level meetings and an informal discussion session described by Chinese officials as “tea diplomacy.”
The visit is being closely watched internationally as Moscow and Beijing continue to deepen political, economic and security cooperation in response to mounting tensions with Western countries, particularly the United States and its allies.
According to Russian and Chinese officials, the leaders discussed a wide range of issues including bilateral trade, energy cooperation, the Ukraine conflict, Middle East tensions, regional security and efforts to promote what both countries described as a “multipolar world order.”
The Kremlin said nearly 40 agreements and joint documents were expected to be signed during the visit covering sectors such as energy, transport, infrastructure, technology, education, media and nuclear cooperation.
A major focus of the discussions was the proposed “Power of Siberia 2” gas pipeline project, which would significantly increase Russian natural gas exports to China. Russia has been seeking alternative energy markets following Western sanctions imposed over the Ukraine war and the reduction of gas exports to Europe.
Analysts said China has become Russia’s most important economic partner since the start of the Ukraine conflict, with bilateral trade reaching record levels in recent years. Both countries have increasingly relied on national currencies including the yuan and ruble for trade settlements in an effort to reduce dependence on the US dollar and Western financial systems.
Chinese state media described Putin as an “old friend” of Xi Jinping, highlighting the close personal relationship between the two leaders. Xi reportedly emphasized that China and Russia should strengthen strategic coordination and safeguard their shared interests in global affairs.
Officials from both sides confirmed that the Ukraine conflict was a central topic, with Moscow seeking continued diplomatic and economic backing from Beijing as the war enters its prolonged phase. Russia has faced sustained Western sanctions, while China has maintained a position of formal neutrality while calling for negotiations.
On the Middle East, the two leaders also discussed the ongoing Iran crisis, which has significantly disrupted global energy markets and increased geopolitical volatility. According to diplomatic readouts, both countries exchanged views on regional stability, energy security and the wider implications of the conflict for global trade routes.
Analysts note that Russia and China have increasingly aligned their positions on both Ukraine and Iran-related developments, particularly within multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and BRICS, where both advocate reducing Western dominance in global governance structures.
China has repeatedly stated that it remains neutral on the Ukraine war while calling for peace negotiations. However, Western governments have accused Beijing of providing economic and technological support that has helped Moscow withstand sanctions pressure. China has denied supplying military assistance to Russia.
Political observers noted that the Beijing summit came shortly after recent diplomatic engagements involving former US President Donald Trump, adding further geopolitical significance to the timing of the visit.
Experts believe the meeting reflects the continuing transformation of the Russia-China relationship into a broader strategic partnership shaped by common opposition to Western dominance in international politics.
Despite expanding cooperation, some analysts have pointed to growing economic imbalance within the relationship, arguing that Russia has become increasingly dependent on China due to sanctions, trade restrictions and diplomatic isolation from the West.
The visit is expected to conclude with the signing of multiple bilateral agreements and a comprehensive joint declaration outlining future cooperation on global governance, economic integration and international security issues.