Is China Leading the Changing Global Leadership?

May 18, Kathmandu – Following US President Donald Trump’s visit to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to begin a two-day official visit to China starting Tuesday.

A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced last Saturday that this state visit is at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Kremlin had earlier released a statement confirming Putin’s visit to China.

Previously, Trump conducted a formal visit to China from May 13 to 15, marking the first such visit by a US president in nearly a decade.

However, despite bringing along CEOs of top US tech companies, Trump’s visit concluded without any agreements announced. Putin will arrive in Beijing just three days later.

According to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Putin and Xi Jinping plan to discuss bilateral ties, China-Russia partnership, and ways to strengthen strategic cooperation. They will also exchange views on important international and regional issues.

Both countries plan to issue a joint statement at a high level and sign several bilateral documents. Additionally, the heads of state will participate in the opening ceremony of the China-Russia Year of Education.

Efforts to Strengthen Relations

Russia views Putin’s visit as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation Treaty, signed in 2001 in Moscow between then Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Putin.

The most recent meeting between Putin and Xi took place last September at the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). They also attended a military parade on September 3 commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

In May, Xi Jinping visited Moscow on a four-day state visit at Putin’s invitation and participated in the Victory Day celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s triumph in the Great Patriotic War.

This marks Xi’s 11th visit to Russia since becoming president, making Russia the country he has visited most frequently. He has described China and Russia as integral neighbors, partners, and friends.

According to Reuters, Putin and Xi have met over 40 times in recent years. In February 2022, they signed a ‘no-limits’ strategic partnership agreement, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Despite increased international sanctions on Russia following the Ukraine conflict, China has refrained from publicly criticizing Russia or supporting those sanctions. Political and economic cooperation between the two countries has continued, with Russia’s economic dependence on China growing.

Last September, China and Russia signed a legally binding agreement to build the ‘Power of Siberia-2’ natural gas pipeline.

Russian media outlet RT reported that Putin is expected to visit China twice in 2026 and will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled to be held in Shenzhen in November.

Russia’s Perspective on China-US Dialogue

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that China and the US will not adopt a ‘divide and rule’ approach. He noted, ‘If there is or will be agreement between China and the US, it will be in our Chinese friends’ interest and will please us.’

Lavrov further emphasized that China-Russia relations go beyond traditional military and political alliances, describing them as deeper and more reliable. This new relationship could ensure global political and economic stability.

Putin’s visit has attracted international attention. The South China Morning Post noted that the visit is routine, with no expectation of grand military parades or elaborate welcome ceremonies.

This presents a unique occasion for China to host leaders of two powerful countries within one month.

It signals China’s intent to maintain balanced relations with both nations. In the current complex global environment, China appears intent on positioning itself as a significant and decisive power.

Political analyst Huang Weiguo observes that power competition among China, the US, and Russia manifests differently in their triangular relations. He believes Trump’s China visit will not affect China-Russia relations.

Huang added, ‘Although the US and Russia appear adversarial, the US seeks a mediating role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and aims to portray itself as a peace-establishing nation.’ He assesses that among the three, China holds the greatest advantage.

Huang also noted, ‘If Trump returns to power, relations between the US and European countries could become tense. Meanwhile, European nations have increased visits to China and maintained relatively less confrontational relations.’

In this relatively turbulent global atmosphere, China seems capable of establishing diplomatic ties with some Western countries and persuading allies of opposing blocs to its side.

Focus on Trump’s Visit

Meanwhile, following Trump’s China trip, an invitation has been extended to Xi Jinping to visit the White House in September. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also confirmed Xi’s visit to the US will take place this year.

The announcement of Putin’s China visit came within 24 hours after Trump’s visit ended, scheduled one week later.

Russian state news agency TASS quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that they are closely monitoring media coverage related to President Trump’s China trip and expect to obtain direct information during Putin’s visit.

Peskov added that during the upcoming China-Russia meeting, they will exchange views on recent communications between China and the US. He said, ‘Direct dialogue between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies will draw the attention of all countries, especially Russia.’