Putin and Xi hold Beijing talks amid Iran war tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as global attention remains focused on the escalating US-Iran war and ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Ukraine and energy security. The meeting came only days after US President Donald Trump held a summit with Xi in China.

Strategic issues dominate agenda

Putin was welcomed with an official ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People before beginning closed-door discussions with the Chinese leader. Officials from both countries are expected to address a wide range of issues including bilateral trade, regional security, oil and gas cooperation, the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East.

The Kremlin delegation accompanying Putin includes senior ministers, deputy prime ministers and business executives, reflecting the growing economic importance of Russia-China relations following Western sanctions imposed on Moscow after the Ukraine war.

Energy and trade ties expand

China has become one of Russia’s most important economic partners in recent years. Bilateral trade between the two countries surpassed $240 billion in 2023, according to official figures, more than doubling compared to levels before the conflict in Ukraine.

Energy cooperation remains a central pillar of the partnership. Recent estimates suggest China now purchases nearly half of Russia’s crude oil exports, strengthening Beijing’s role in Moscow’s long-term energy strategy amid shifting global markets affecting Asia, Europe.

Anniversary diplomacy in Beijing

The visit also marks the 25th anniversary of the friendship treaty signed between Russia and China in 2001. The agreement, originally concluded by then-Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Putin, laid the foundation for expanded political, military and economic coordination between the two neighboring powers.

Putin and Xi are additionally expected to attend the opening ceremony of the Russia-China Years of Education 2026-2027 initiative, aimed at increasing academic and cultural exchanges.

Following his meetings with Xi, Putin is scheduled to hold separate talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang focused on trade and investment cooperation before returning to Russia. The latest trip represents Putin’s 25th official visit to China since taking office.