Beijing: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday described ties between their countries as “unbreakable” and “unprecedented” during a high-profile meeting in Beijing. The meeting came just days after US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to China, making it significant in terms of global geopolitical balance.
Putin received a grand welcome at the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital. Amid military honours and official ceremonies, both leaders publicly displayed their close personal rapport. During the talks, Xi Jinping said that China and Russia had “continuously deepened political trust and strategic coordination.”
President Putin also quoted a Chinese proverb, saying, “A day apart feels like three autumns,” highlighting the warmth in relations between the two leaders. He added that bilateral ties had grown stronger despite external pressure and had now reached “an unprecedented height.”
The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade, energy, media, technology and artificial intelligence. Several agreements were signed during the meeting. Following the Ukraine war and Western sanctions, Russia has become increasingly dependent on China economically, while China remains a major buyer of Russian oil and gas.
However, the much-awaited “Power of Siberia-2” gas pipeline project did not receive final approval. Reports suggest that differences over pricing and supply terms still remain unresolved between the two countries.
The meeting also carried an indirect message against US global policies. Xi criticised “unilateral and hegemonic tendencies” and stressed the need for a multipolar world order. Both nations signalled their intention to further strengthen their strategic partnership in the face of Western pressure.