Russian leader Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for talks with ‘long-time good friend’ Xi Jinping, just four days after Donald Trump’s own visit.
In talks that were confirmed just a few hours after Trump wrapped up his own state visit last Friday, the leaders of Russia and China are set to discuss how to ‘further strengthen’ Russia and China’s strategic partnership and ‘exchange views on key international and regional issues.’
Setting warm tones for the visit, the two leaders exchanged ‘congratulatory letters’ on Sunday to mark 30 years of their countries’ strategic partnership.
Xi said cooperation between Russia and China had ‘continuously deepened and solidified’, according to Chinese state media.
And in a video message to the Chinese people released Tuesday, Putin said relations have reached ‘a truly unprecedented level’ and that ‘trade between Russia and China continues to grow’.
“The close strategic relationship between Russia and China plays a major, stabilising role globally. Without allying against anyone, we seek peace and universal prosperity,” Putin added, without mentioning any third country.
The two leaders are also expected to sign a joint declaration after the talks, which stand in stark contrast to Trump’s visit to China, the first by a sitting US president in nearly a decade and one aimed at stabilising their turbulent relations.
When Putin last visited Beijing in September 2025, Xi welcomed him with open arms as an ‘old friend’ – language the Chinese leader did not extend to Trump last week.
Putin, who in turn called Xi his ‘dear friend’, will be keen to show the world their relations are unaffected by Trump’s visit.afpLatest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneAFPRead More