Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on Wednesday, praising the progress in their strategic ties during talks where Moscow is expected to push forward a long-negotiated gas supply agreement. Xi welcomed Putin with an honor guard and a gun salute at the Great Hall of the People, as children waved Chinese and Russian flags. The leaders are expected to cap the day with an intimate meeting over tea.
Strategic Partnership and Global Governance
Xi emphasized that China and Russia should focus on long-term strategy and promote a more just and reasonable global governance system, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua. 'The reason China-Russia relations have reached this level is because we have been able to deepen political mutual trust and strategic cooperation,' Xi said at the start of the meeting. Putin noted that their relations help ensure global stability and stressed Russia's role as a reliable energy supplier amid Middle East disruption. '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. He also invited Xi to visit Russia next year.
Energy Cooperation: Power of Siberia 2 Pipeline
China remains the largest buyer of Russian oil, including pipeline supplies and sea-borne shipments. The Kremlin signaled ahead of the Beijing meeting that it seeks further energy agreements. During Putin's last visit in September 2025, Russian gas giant Gazprom said both sides agreed to move forward with the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline. However, China has said little publicly about the project. Key issues such as gas pricing remain unresolved, and negotiations could take years. Energy supply shortages linked to the conflict in Iran may support Russia's case for the pipeline as a long-term gas source, but Beijing may prefer to stick to its supply diversification strategy.
Comparing Ceremonies
Xi is known for hosting visiting leaders over tea, but the setting and manner of such encounters can signal his regard for the guest. When Xi hosted Putin in May 2024, they ditched their ties and spoke over tea outdoors in Zhongnanhai, a former imperial garden now housing Communist Party and government offices. In contrast, Trump's stroll through a secret garden and tea with Xi in the same compound, as well as a tour of the Temple of Heaven, appeared more choreographed. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that there was no point comparing the ceremony for Putin and Trump, and people should focus on content.
Trade and US Relations
As Xi and Putin began their meeting, China's commerce ministry confirmed a purchase of 200 Boeing jets announced by Washington following the Trump-Xi summit, signaling China's desire to stabilize economic and trade ties with the US independently of its commitments with Russia. Beijing will also seek an extension of the trade truce with the US and push for reciprocal tariff cuts on $30 billion or more of goods each, the ministry said.
'No Limits' Partnership
The so-called 'no limits' partnership between China and Russia has strengthened since the West imposed sanctions on Russia for the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has set 'serious expectations' for Putin's visit, which will include a signing ceremony, a banquet, and a tea where the two leaders will discuss key international issues informally. Some 40 documents are expected to be signed, and a 47-page joint statement on their strengthening partnership will be issued. Patricia Kim, a foreign policy fellow at the Brookings Institution, said the symbolism alone will be significant regardless of substance, reinforcing the message that the China-Russia partnership remains strong and coordinated across strategic issues.
Putin, who has called Xi a 'dear friend' and been labeled an 'old friend' by Xi, visits at a time when bilateral trade is improving after a downturn last year. Putin has acknowledged the need to reverse the downtrend, highlighting China's importance as an economic lifeline for sanctions-hit Moscow as the war in Ukraine takes a toll on its economy.
