Vladimir Putin visits China to meet Xi Jinping
Russian President Vladimir Putin received a warm welcome in Beijing from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who hailed their nations’ “unyielding” ties in a summit underscoring a deepening strategic bond. President Xi welcomed his counterpart as an “old friend,” a term not extended to recent Western visitors, while Putin stated that Russia-China relations had reached an “unprecedentedly high level” despite “unfavourable external factors.”
The meeting highlighted a strengthening alliance that has grown significantly since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In a thinly veiled critique of the United States, President Xi warned of “unilateral and hegemonic countercurrents running rampant” and called for a “more just and reasonable” global governance system. As Russia faces Western sanctions, it has become increasingly reliant on China as its main oil customer and key diplomatic partner.
Following their official talks, the leaders oversaw the signing of several agreements covering trade, media, and energy. A key topic of discussion was the proposed “Power of Siberia 2” natural gas pipeline, a major project to supply the growing Chinese market. While a “basic understanding” on the pipeline’s route has reportedly been reached, officials noted that a clear timeline and final details remain pending. Russia has sought to position itself as a reliable energy supplier for China amid ongoing disruptions in the Middle East.
While presenting a united front, the two leaders addressed global conflicts with nuanced perspectives. President Xi stressed that on tensions in the Middle East, “a comprehensive ceasefire is of utmost urgency,” reflecting China’s interest in stable global waterways for its economy. The conflict in Ukraine was also on the agenda for a private discussion, with Beijing maintaining its official stance of neutrality while providing Moscow with crucial economic support. President Putin also extended an invitation for Xi to visit Russia next year.
