Web Desk: Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing for high-level talks aimed at deepening strategic coordination between the two powers amid rising global tensions.
Putin’s visit came just days after US President Donald Trump held a closely watched summit in the Chinese capital, placing Beijing at the center of a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
Following their meeting, Xi described the discussions as “friendly, in-depth and productive,” saying both leaders exchanged views on major international and regional issues and agreed to strengthen long-term strategic cooperation.
During the summit, Xi cautioned against what he called a return to “jungle law” in international affairs and stressed the importance of closer coordination between Beijing and Moscow to preserve global stability.
Putin, meanwhile, praised bilateral ties as reaching an “unprecedented level” and described cooperation between the two countries as a key stabilising force in world politics.
According to a Kremlin statement, Putin said the international system was undergoing a transition toward a “multipolar world” shaped by a balance of interests among major powers.
The two leaders also renewed a longstanding friendship treaty and signed a joint statement aimed at further strengthening what China describes as a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for a New Era.”
Xi noted that the Russian leader’s latest trip marked his 25th visit to China, highlighting what he called the “special nature” of relations between the neighboring countries.
He said the partnership had evolved steadily over the past three decades and remained guided by principles of “non-alliance, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third parties.”
The summit also coincided with the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership and the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a regional security bloc jointly backed by Beijing and Moscow.
Xi said political trust remained the defining feature of bilateral ties and pledged to elevate cooperation further in areas ranging from diplomacy to security and economic development.
The talks were expected to cover a broad range of issues, including economic cooperation, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and expanding energy ties between the two countries.
One major project under discussion is the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which would transport Russian gas to northern China through Mongolia. The project could help Moscow redirect energy exports previously destined for Europe while increasing Beijing’s overland energy supplies.
The Kremlin said roughly 40 agreements were expected to be signed during Putin’s visit, with both governments also overseeing the signing of around 20 intergovernmental cooperation documents.
Meanwhile, Moscow reiterated support for diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine and urged Washington to continue mediation initiatives aimed at reviving peace negotiations.
China and Russia have expanded strategic coordination in recent years as both countries faced growing pressure from the United States and its allies. Officials from both sides have repeatedly described bilateral ties as being at their strongest point in history.
Since December, Beijing has also hosted leaders from other permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, including France and the United Kingdom, reflecting China’s broader diplomatic outreach as it positions itself as a central player in global affairs.
Read more: Trump concludes China visit after breakthrough on trade tensions and tech restrictions
