Xi-Putin Meet in Beijing Strengthens Bilateral Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as an “old friend.” Putin, in turn, described the ties between the two countries as having reached an “unprecedented height.” In a series of meetings that began Tuesday in Beijing, both leaders signaled their intent to strengthen bilateral relations and work together to counter pressure from Western powers.

After the formal meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi and Putin are scheduled to attend a more informal discussion. The talks focused on the war in Ukraine, resisting U.S. influence, and plans to establish a multipolar global order.

The day before these meetings, both leaders attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where they took a strong stance advocating a new global order as an alternative to Western-led structures.

During Putin’s visit, at least 20 agreements are expected to be signed, which are anticipated to further expand China-Russia cooperation. Observers note that the two countries’ relationship has grown increasingly close, particularly since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022.

Although China has publicly maintained a neutral stance on the war, it has provided economic support to Russia through continued trade, drawing criticism from Western nations.

A day after the meetings, Beijing will host a grand military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, with nearly two dozen world leaders attending, including North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.