Putin Hails "Unprecedented" Ties With China During Beijing Visit

"The Trump visit was about stabilizing the world's most important bilateral relationship; the Putin visit is about reassuring a long-standing strategic partner," said Wang Zichen, deputy secretary-general for the Beijing-based think tank Center for China & Globalization. "For China, these two tracks are not mutually exclusive."

The visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship signed in 2001. Putin last traveled to China in September 2025 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II's end. During that visit, Xi referred to Putin as an "old friend," a rare diplomatic term in China reserved for favored foreign leaders, while Putin called Xi "dear friend."

Deepening Economic Ties

Economic cooperation dominates the agenda, with Russia now China's top trading partner. Kremlin aide Ushakov reported a 35% increase in Russian oil exports to China during the first quarter of 2026, while Russia remains one of China's largest natural gas suppliers.

"During 'the crisis in the Middle East,' Russia remains a reliable energy supplier and China is a 'responsible consumer,'" Ushakov told reporters. Putin noted earlier this month that the two nations had made "a very substantial step forward in our cooperation in the oil and gas sector," adding, "Practically all the key issues have been agreed upon."

China has continued supplying high-tech components to Russia's defense industries despite Western pressure to halt such trade. Bilateral trade surpassed $230 billion in 2025 despite international sanctions related to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Putin framed the relationship as a stabilizing force in global affairs. "Interaction between such nations as China and Russia undoubtedly serves as a factor of deterrence and stability," he said in pre-visit remarks. The Russian leader also expressed support for China's engagement with the U.S., stating Moscow benefits from "the stability and constructive engagement between the U.S. and China."

The two leaders are expected to finalize energy agreements and discuss regional security issues during their meetings. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the visit would allow Russia to exchange views with China on its talks with the U.S., while Xi has described the Sino-Russian relationship as "precious" in the current international context.