Putin, Xi meet in Beijing to reaffirm strategic partnership after Trump visit

BEIJING – Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, aiming to reaffirm the strength of bilateral ties and project unity between Moscow and Beijing amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics. The visit comes shortly after US President Donald Trump concluded a high-profile trip to China, the first by a US president in nearly a decade, which focused on easing strained relations between Washington and Beijing. Putin’s timing is being viewed as a diplomatic signal underscoring that Russia and China’s partnership remains stable and unaffected by recent U.S.-China engagements. According to a statement from the Kremlin, the two leaders will hold discussions on further deepening their “comprehensive strategic partnership” and will exchange views on major regional and international developments. The talks are also expected to conclude with the signing of a joint declaration. Relations between Moscow and Beijing have strengthened significantly since Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine in 2022. Putin has visited China annually since then, highlighting growing political, economic, and military coordination between the two countries. In a symbolic exchange ahead of the visit, both leaders sent congratulatory messages marking 30 years of diplomatic partnership. Chinese state media reported that Xi highlighted the continued deepening of bilateral cooperation, while Putin, in a televised message, described relations as having reached an “unprecedented level,” noting steady growth in bilateral trade. Putin also emphasized that Russia-China relations contribute to global stability, stating that the partnership is not directed against any third country and is aimed at promoting peace and mutual development. Analysts suggest the meeting will serve as an opportunity for Xi to brief Putin on his recent discussions with Trump, particularly on global security issues, including the war in Ukraine. Howeve