Key takeaways from Putin-Xi meeting: Details inside

BEIJING: (Web Desk) – Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on Wednesday shortly after Donald Trump concluded his visit to China, signaling the strength of Moscow-Beijing relations. During the meeting, both leaders highlighted their growing partnership, with Putin describing bilateral ties as stronger than ever and Xi calling the relationship firm and unwavering. Without directly naming the United States, Xi criticized rising unilateralism and hegemonic behavior in global affairs.

The two countries signed several agreements covering trade, media cooperation, and energy collaboration while also extending their long-term treaty of friendship and cooperation. Putin invited Xi to Russia next year and confirmed plans to attend the upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen, an event Trump has also expressed interest in joining.

On Middle East tensions, Xi stressed that the region is at a critical stage and urged an immediate ceasefire along with continued diplomatic negotiations to avoid disruptions to global energy supplies. A joint statement from both governments emphasized dialogue as the preferred path forward. Meanwhile, Russia sees growing opportunities to expand energy exports to China amid instability affecting oil and gas markets.

Xi Jinping, Putin Strengthen Strategic Ties Amid Global Tensions

Although China remains Russia’s largest buyer of fossil fuels, there was no major progress on the long-discussed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that both sides agree on the general framework and route, but several issues still need to be finalized before construction timelines can be confirmed.

Regarding Ukraine, China and Russia reiterated their support for resolving the conflict through negotiations while addressing what they described as the “root causes” of the war. Beijing again avoided criticizing Moscow’s military actions and reaffirmed its position that diplomacy remains the best solution. Russia welcomed China’s balanced stance and praised Beijing’s willingness to play a constructive political role in efforts to settle the crisis.