The leaders of China and Russia emphasized the close strategic partnership between the two countries during talks in Beijing. The meeting is taking place against the backdrop of Western sanctions against Moscow and immediately after Donald Trump's visit to China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin stated the strength and "unwavering" nature of the relationship between the two countries during talks in Beijing.
The meeting is taking place at the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital. Opening the negotiations, the leaders emphasized the special nature of cooperation between Moscow and Beijing and announced the extension of the "friendly cooperation" agreement.
Xi Jinping stated that China and Russia continue to deepen political trust and strategic coordination despite external pressure.
Putin, for his part, called the relationship with China "unprecedentedly high," noting that it is developing even amid an unfavorable international situation.
In fact, Moscow is increasingly relying on Beijing following the imposition of extensive Western sanctions. In recent years, China has become one of Russia's key trading and economic partners.
The Russian delegation in Beijing includes ministers, representatives of major businesses, and leaders of energy companies, including Gazprom and Rosneft. Putin is also accompanied by the head of the Central Bank of Russia, Elvira Nabiullina.
The Kremlin reported that around 40 documents are expected to be signed as a result of the visit. They will pertain to trade, industry, transport, construction, and other areas of cooperation.
Importantly, Putin's visit comes just a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump's trip to China. This has heightened attention to the negotiations between Moscow and Beijing.
Although the Kremlin claims that Putin's trip was planned in advance and is not directly related to Trump's visit, many view the current meeting as a demonstration of the resilience of the Russian-Chinese partnership amid global confrontation with the West.
It is expected that Xi Jinping will also discuss with Putin his recent negotiations with the American leader.
Amid sanctions and international isolation, Russia is increasingly pivoting its economic and political cooperation towards China. For Beijing, relations with Moscow remain an important element of the global balance of power and resistance to U.S. influence.
