Following the visit of US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Putin reached Beijing late Tuesday evening as part of his state visit. According to the Kremlin, he will discuss “important and sensitive issues” between Russia and China. This is Putin’s first foreign trip of 2026, arriving in Beijing after President Trump’s visit to China.
During Trump’s visit, he and President Xi discussed a wide range of topics including the Iran conflict and trade, signaling the significance China holds for Russia. Amid Western sanctions, Beijing remains Russia’s key partner and its largest oil buyer. Putin aims to further strengthen this relationship. A major priority of his visit is to inspect a new pipeline capable of delivering 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China. Putin is among many global leaders who have recently visited Beijing to expand trade ties.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry described Putin’s visit as important for deepening bilateral relations and promoting stability and positive momentum in the global situation. Upon his nighttime arrival, Putin was welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a military honor guard. This marks Putin’s 25th official trip to China. Officials from both sides have not publicly disclosed specific topics for the meeting between Xi and Putin, but some key issues are expected to be discussed. Despite sanctions imposed by Western countries in recent years, trade between the two nations continues to grow stronger.
The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, which is expected to be built after years of stalled talks, will transport up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia to China. This project will play a crucial role in securing China’s energy supply, particularly during crises such as those involving the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions about the ongoing war in Ukraine are also likely, highlighting Russia’s reliance on China for continuing its military campaign through dual channels and drone-related supplies from Chinese exports. China officially maintains a policy of seeking peaceful resolution to conflicts through dialogue.
Putin’s brief two-day itinerary is densely packed. Following a grand welcome ceremony at Central Square in Beijing, the schedule includes bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping and their respective delegations, during which various agreements will be signed. A joint statement on “strengthening strategic cooperation” will be issued. Putin is scheduled to meet a Chinese engineer he met during his childhood. Talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang are also planned. Putin and Xi will attend a photo exhibition on Russia-China relations, take part in an evening banquet, and conclude with a tea meeting to continue discussions.
