Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in China on Tuesday for a two-day state visit, marking his 25th trip to the country and another high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The visit comes less than a week after US President Donald Trump concluded his own trip to China, placing renewed global attention on Beijing’s diplomatic engagements.
Putin’s visit is officially tied to the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation, a key agreement that has shaped ties between Moscow and Beijing over the past two decades.
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Putin’s 25th visit highlights close ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly referred to Putin as an “old friend,” reflecting the close relationship between the two leaders. Putin last visited China in September 2025 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit held in Tianjin, according to The Times of India.
The upcoming meeting is expected to underline the strategic partnership between the two countries at a time when both face growing tensions with Western nations. China has remained one of Russia’s key economic and diplomatic partners since the Ukraine conflict intensified in 2022.
Over the past decade, head-of-state diplomacy has played a central role in steering Sino-Russian ties through a rapidly changing global landscape. Since 2013, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have maintained frequent interactions. Watch this video. pic.twitter.com/x1hslsUYxr
— Xi’s Moments (@XisMoments) May 19, 2026
Trade and energy likely to dominate discussions
Trade and energy cooperation are expected to feature prominently during the talks between Xi and Putin. Discussions may include the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, which has remained under negotiation amid pricing discussions and broader energy considerations, as per The Times of India.
China continues to be one of the largest buyers of Russian oil and energy exports. Analysts believe both countries are looking to deepen economic cooperation while also strengthening supply chains and financial coordination in response to Western sanctions and trade pressures.
The Kremlin earlier said the leaders would discuss bilateral relations as well as “key international and regional issues” during the visit.
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Global diplomacy in focus after Trump visit
Putin’s arrival in Beijing follows closely after Donald Trump’s recent state visit to China, which focused on trade, Taiwan, and the Middle East. The back-to-back visits by the leaders of the United States and Russia have drawn international attention to China’s growing diplomatic role on the global stage.
Observers believe Beijing is trying to project itself as a stable global actor while balancing ties with both Moscow and Washington. At the same time, the China-Russia partnership continues to be closely watched by Western countries because of the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical tensions.
