On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated their strategic partnership and the expansion of energy trade during a meeting in Beijing, which came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of over 40 cooperation agreements covering various sectors, including trade, technology, and media exchanges. They emphasized the increasing volume of trade, particularly in oil and natural gas, and expressed their alignment on matters of international relations.
Xi remarked that the relationship between their nations has reached “the highest level in history” following the signing ceremony, addressing members of the delegations and reporters. The leaders also reached an agreement to renew a friendship treaty initially established in 2001.
Putin conveyed to those present that “the driving force behind economic cooperation is the collaboration between Russia and China in the energy sector.”
“In light of the crisis in the Middle East, Russia continues to play the role of a dependable resource supplier, while China acts as a responsible consumer of those resources,” Putin stated, seemingly alluding to the U.S. conflict in Iran.
Xi and Putin have often commended each other, with Xi once referring to Putin as his “best and most intimate friend.” (Maxim Shemetov/Reuters)
According to Chinese state media, Xi highlighted the importance of a “complete cessation of hostilities” in the Middle East.
“An early resolution to the conflict will assist in stabilizing energy supply, ensuring the smooth operation of industrial and supply chains, and maintaining international trade order,” Xi noted.
He also reiterated his criticisms of “unilateralism and hegemonism,” which seemed to refer indirectly to U.S. actions. Xi warned that “the world is at risk of reverting to a law of the jungle.”
Jonathan Cheng, the China bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal, commented to CBC News Network, “They often speak about the U.S. without explicitly naming it, but it’s clear who they are addressing. They are certainly unhappy with Donald Trump’s actions on the global stage, and in that sense, they align with the sentiments of many countries.”
Cheng remarked, “This is China doing its utmost to navigate these turbulent waters,” adding that recent U.S. military actions abroad have adversely affected Beijing’s allies, Iran and Venezuela.
Both leaders expressed concern that Trump’s proposed Golden Dome missile defense system could jeopardize strategic stability and criticized Washington for failing to pursue a replacement for a significant nuclear treaty.
Trade Thrives Post-Ukraine Invasion
Following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, China emerged as Russia’s leading trading partner. Beijing has maintained its position of neutrality in the conflict while continuing its trade relations with the Kremlin, despite economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and Europe.
China is the largest buyer of Russian oil and gas, and Moscow anticipates that the ongoing war with Iran will further boost demand. A Russian presidential aide previously noted that oil exports to China surged by 35 percent in the first quarter of 2026, making Russia a key supplier of natural gas to China.
Experts suggest that the primary aim of Putin’s visit to China is to reinforce the two nations’ connection and to showcase Beijing’s status as an influential superpower. (Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik/AFP/Getty Images)
Putin also highlighted the collaborative efforts between China and Russia in foreign policy as “a key stabilizing factor on the international stage.”
“In the current tense international climate, our close cooperation is especially needed,” he asserted.
However, there was no noticeable advancement regarding the proposed Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline that Russia has been advocating to enhance exports to China.
Cheng noted that China holds leverage in this potential agreement, as Russian natural gas exports “are not going to be flowing to Western Europe for the foreseeable future,” due to Putin’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
From China’s viewpoint, he explained, the long-term initiative “might not resolve the current uncertainties arising from Iran, but China consistently considers the long-term strategy” when engaging in deals with various global partners.
‘Most Intimate Friend’
Putin extended an invitation to Xi for a visit to Russia in 2027 and noted that he would be attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November in southern China.
As they convened for bilateral discussions at the Great Hall of the People, Putin warmly welcomed Xi.
“My dear friend,” Putin expressed. “We are truly pleased to see you. We maintain constant communication, both personally and through our government aides.”
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Xi also emphasized the “political mutual trust and strategic cooperation” between their nations, as reported by Chinese state media. The two leaders have frequently expressed admiration for each other in the past, with Xi having referred to Putin as his “best and most intimate friend.” Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 by Mao Zedong, the nation became an ally and subordinate partner of the Soviet Union, which was then the dominant force in the global Communist landscape.
Despite a shared opposition to the West, particularly the United States, relations between Moscow and Beijing soured, leading to the Sino-Soviet split of 1961. Following the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia and China rekindled their friendship.
Since that time, the balance of power has shifted in favor of Beijing as China has risen to become a global economic and technological leader.