Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on Wednesday, showing close political alignment even though key economic deals were not finalised.
The talks came shortly after a visit to China by U.S. President Donald Trump, which added wider geopolitical context to the meeting.
A joint statement set out shared positions on security, Ukraine and global governance. But it also showed limits in economic cooperation, especially over a long-discussed gas pipeline project that remains unresolved.
Here are five key takeaways.
The meeting carried strong political messaging. It followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Beijing, and both sides appeared keen to show stability in their relationship.
Neither leader directly mentioned the United States. But their language made the contrast clear.
Vladimir Putin said ties were at an “unprecedentedly high level”. Xi Jinping described relations as “unyielding”.
Xi also warned against “unilateral and hegemonic countercurrents running rampant” in global affairs, a phrase often used in Chinese criticism of U.S. influence.
The two countries also signed agreements on trade, energy and media cooperation, focusing on long-term ties rather than major breakthroughs.
A key theme was shared criticism of U.S. defence strategy.
China and Russia opposed Washington’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system. They also called U.S. nuclear policy “irresponsible”.
There was no new defence pact. But the tone suggested closer political coordination on international security issues.
Both sides continue to present themselves as a counterweight to U.S. influence in global institutions.
The Middle East was a major topic of discussion, especially around the tensions involving Iran.
Xi described the region as being at a “critical juncture”. He called for restraint and said “a comprehensive ceasefire is of utmost urgency”.
He also warned that continued conflict could disrupt global energy supply chains.
Russia supported calls for dialogue. Both sides agreed on the need for negotiations and a political settlement.
While both said they want stability, their priorities differ slightly. China is focused on protecting trade and energy routes. Russia also sees opportunities to reshape global energy flows away from the West.
On Ukraine, there was no change in approach. Both countries repeated that the conflict should be resolved by addressing what they call its “root causes”.
They also said they support “the search for a solution through dialogue and negotiations”.
Xi Jinping continues to avoid criticising Russia directly. Meanwhile, Moscow maintains close political and economic ties with Beijing.
There were no new proposals or diplomatic initiatives.
Energy remains the strongest part of the relationship.
Vladimir Putin called the sector “the locomotive of economic cooperation” and said Russia is a “reliable supplier” of oil and gas to China.
Trade has grown since Europe cut back on Russian energy imports after the Ukraine war began in 2022. China has become Russia’s most important energy buyer.
However, the planned “Power of Siberia 2” pipeline is still not agreed. It could carry up to 50 billion cubic metres of gas a year.
Officials said there is a “basic understanding”, but no “clear timeline”. Pricing and concerns in Beijing about over-reliance remain unresolved.
President Donald Trump has said the U.S. has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran warns the key waterway will not reopen while Washing...
An overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk killed an eight-year-old child, injured others and damaged resid...
Iran will soon join the New Development Bank (NDB), the lender established by BRICS nations, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati said in a state ...
One hundred years after the First World War and more than eighty years after the devastation of the Second World War gave rise to the United Nations, humanity once again finds itself living in an age of permanent crisis.
Iran said it was nearing a final pact with Oman defining new shipping lanes between them through the Strait of Hormuz but repeated that the U.S. must meet other conditions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to pay compensation for decades of deaths and damage, adding a new demand to peace talks as Tehran seeks compensation and sanctions relief before reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
A criminal court in Damascus has sentenced former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for premeditated murder, torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA.
President Donald Trump has said the U.S. has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran warns the key waterway will not reopen while Washington maintains its naval blockade.
Millions of people across Spain and Iceland are preparing on Wednesday to witness a rare total solar eclipse, when the moon will pass directly between Earth and the Sun, briefly turning daylight into darkness along a narrow path.
Ukraine has agreed to refrain from targeting certain tankers using Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk following a request from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, the Financial Times reported, although Kyiv has continued strikes on Russian targets at the port.
Taiwan has criticised a planned joint naval exercise involving China and Indonesia near its eastern waters, describing it as a politically charged move designed to strengthen Beijing's claims over areas surrounding the island.
An overnight Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk killed an eight-year-old child, injured others and damaged residential buildings, port infrastructure and grain facilities, Russian officials and industry sources said on Wednesday.
Romanian military divers have destroyed two Gerbera-type drones found drifting near the Neptun Deep offshore gas development in the country’s Black Sea exclusive economic zone.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment