Beijing (TDI): Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday described China and Russia’s relationship as “unyielding” during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as both leaders met in Beijing shortly after US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to China.
The meeting came days after Trump was welcomed with full ceremony but left without major agreements, including on reopening or easing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say Putin’s visit is being closely watched for possible energy and infrastructure deals.
Putin’s trip takes place against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which has strained its economy under Western sanctions and increased Moscow’s reliance on Beijing as a key buyer of Russian energy.
At the same time, disruptions linked to the US-Iran conflict have tightened global oil and gas supplies, creating space for Russia to position itself as an alternative energy source for China.
Experts say one of the key topics expected to be discussed is the proposed “Power of Siberia 2” gas pipeline, which would carry Russian gas to China via Mongolia and potentially reduce dependence on Middle Eastern maritime routes.
Opening talks at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, both leaders emphasized the strength of bilateral relations and extended their treaty of “friendly cooperation.”
Read More: Xi Calls for ‘Just and Reasonable’ Global Governance System in Meeting with Putin
Xi said China and Russia have “continuously deepened political mutual trust and strategic coordination with a resilience that remains unyielding,” according to Chinese state media.
Putin, in response, said relations had reached an “unprecedentedly high level” despite what he called “unfavourable external factors,” without directly naming any country.
Xi also criticized what he described as rising “unilateral and hegemonic countercurrents,” in remarks widely seen as a reference to the United States.
Over the years, Xi has hosted multiple global leaders as China’s ties with Western countries have become more strained, particularly under shifting US foreign policy.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow and Beijing have further strengthened cooperation, with Putin making regular visits to China and deepening strategic coordination.
Read More: Putin Calls Russia-China Ties a ‘Stabilizing Force’
Analysts say the relationship has become increasingly central for both sides, with China seen as a crucial economic partner for Russia amid Western sanctions.
However, experts note that while both countries share strategic interests, their priorities diverge in the Middle East, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Russia has sought to benefit from rising energy prices and supply disruptions, while China has pushed for a quick end to hostilities due to its dependence on stable global trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Xi stressed in the talks that continued escalation in the Middle East is “inadvisable” and called for an “urgent comprehensive ceasefire,” reflecting Beijing’s preference for stability in global energy and shipping corridors.
