BEIJING, May 20, 2026: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the strength of China-Russia ties during talks in Beijing on Wednesday, with energy cooperation and a long-discussed gas pipeline expected to be central to the visit.
Putin was welcomed at the Great Hall of the People with an honour guard and gun salute before formal talks with Xi. The meeting comes shortly after US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing, placing renewed attention on China’s relations with both Washington and Moscow.
Xi said China and Russia should focus on long-term strategy and work for a “more just and reasonable” global governance system, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua. He said bilateral relations had deepened through political trust and strategic cooperation.
Putin said the partnership between Moscow and Beijing was helping support global stability and described Russia as a reliable energy supplier amid disruption in the Middle East.
“The comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China in the new era is an example of international relations in the modern world,” Putin told Xi.
Putin also invited Xi to visit Russia next year.
Energy talks focus on Power of Siberia 2
Energy cooperation is expected to be a major part of Putin’s visit. China remains the largest buyer of Russian oil through both pipeline supplies and seaborne shipments, while Moscow is seeking further progress on gas exports.
During Putin’s previous visit in September 2025, Russian gas giant Gazprom said the two sides had agreed to move forward with the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline. China has said little publicly about the project, and key issues including gas pricing remain unresolved.
The proposed pipeline has been under negotiation for more than a decade. Energy supply concerns linked to the conflict in Iran may strengthen Russia’s case for the project, but Beijing is also expected to weigh its broader supply diversification strategy.
Summit follows Trump visit to Beijing
The meeting comes after Trump’s visit to the Chinese capital, where Washington announced a Chinese purchase of 200 Boeing jets. China’s commerce ministry confirmed the purchase as Xi and Putin began their talks.
Beijing is also seeking an extension of its trade truce with the United States and reciprocal tariff cuts on goods worth $30 billion or more on each side, according to the ministry.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was no need to compare the ceremonies arranged for Putin and Trump in China, adding that the focus should remain on the substance of the talks.
Dozens of agreements expected
The Kremlin said it had “serious expectations” for Putin’s visit. The programme includes formal talks, a signing ceremony, a banquet and an informal tea meeting where the two leaders are expected to discuss international issues.
Around 40 documents are expected to be signed, along with a 47-page joint statement on the strengthening partnership between the two countries, according to the Kremlin.
The China-Russia partnership has deepened since Western sanctions were imposed on Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Bilateral trade has recently shown signs of improvement after a downturn last year, with China remaining a key economic partner for Russia.
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