Putin visits China, signs dozens of agreements with Xi amid global tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on 19 May 2026 for his 25th state visit to China, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump’s trip. He was received by President Xi Jinping with a grand ceremony at the Great Hall of the People and subsequently held a series‑long talks covering energy, trade, technology, education and security. The two leaders signed a joint statement calling for an end to the U.S.–Israel war on Iran, condemned unilateral aggression, and reaffirmed support for a multipolar world order. Around forty bilateral documents were endorsed, including new cooperation on oil, gas, nuclear power and infrastructure. A key objective – an agreement on the Power of Siberia‑2 gas pipeline – remained unresolved, with officials describing only a “principle understanding.” Putin’s decision to cancel the customary post‑visit press briefing was interpreted as frustration over the lack of concrete outcomes. The summit underscored the deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing as both seek to offset Western sanctions and secure energy supplies, while also highlighting the divergent interests that keep the alliance asymmetrical.