China's Xi, Russia's Putin praise ties at Beijing talks; energy in focus

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin reaffirm China–Russia strategic partnership in Beijing summit, with talks centered on energy cooperation and global influence.BEIJING — China and Russia’s leaders lauded the progress in their strategic relationship on Wednesday during high-level summit talks in Beijing, where Moscow is expected to push for stronger energy cooperation with Beijing.

Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin with an honor guard and a gun salute at the Great Hall of the People, while children waved Chinese and Russian flags. The two leaders were also expected to conclude the day with a private tea meeting following formal discussions.

The summit comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the Chinese capital, drawing close international attention to the optics and outcomes of back-to-back meetings between Beijing and major global powers with sharply contrasting relationships.

Xi said China and Russia should focus on long-term strategic coordination and promote a “more just and reasonable” global governance system, according to a transcript released by China’s 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 his meeting with Putin.

Putin said the partnership between the two countries was contributing to global stability and stressed that Russia remains a reliable energy supplier despite ongoing geopolitical disruptions. He added that bilateral economic ties continue to show “positive dynamics” even under unfavorable external conditions, and extended an invitation for Xi to visit Russia next year.

The carefully staged diplomacy also included symbolic gestures. Xi is known for hosting visiting leaders over tea, with such meetings often interpreted as signals of political warmth and diplomatic significance. Previous encounters between Xi and Putin have included informal discussions in historic government compounds, underscoring their close personal rapport.

Observers say the sequence of high-profile visits to Beijing reflects China’s growing centrality in global diplomacy at a time of increasing geopolitical fragmentation. Analysts also note that Beijing has been keen to emphasize stability and continuity in its relationships with both Russia and other major powers.

Putin, who has described Xi as a “dear friend,” arrived with a delegation of senior officials, including deputy prime ministers, ministers, and leaders of major state-owned enterprises and financial institutions. Chinese and Russian state media have described the visit as carrying “serious expectations,” with both sides preparing multiple agreements and a joint statement.

According to the Kremlin, around 40 documents are expected to be signed during the visit, along with a 47-page joint declaration outlining the strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

Energy cooperation is also expected to feature prominently in the discussions, including negotiations around the proposed Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline, which would connect Russia to northern China. Industry observers say the project remains a key point of strategic interest for both sides, though Beijing continues to balance its long-term energy diversification strategy.

China-Russia trade has fluctuated in recent years. While overall trade reached record levels in 2024, recent figures show a decline, even as both sides seek to stabilize and expand economic ties. Moscow has increasingly relied on Beijing as a major economic partner amid Western sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine.

The summit is expected to conclude with a formal signing ceremony, an official banquet, and an informal tea meeting where both leaders will discuss broader international issues in a less structured setting.

-Reporting by Liz Lee and Ethan Wang in Beijing, Jekaterina Golubkova in Tokyo; Additional reporting by Beijing newsroom and Vladimir Soldatkin in MoscowEditing by Ed Davies/Reuters