Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing today for a two-day state visit at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, marking the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation.
During the visit, Putin and Xi are expected to sign a joint declaration and several agreements to deepen cooperation in energy, trade, and security, while also launching the Russia–China Years of Education (2026–2027).
Putin will meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss expanding energy exports and increasing settlements in rubles and yuan, as bilateral trade between Russia and China reached nearly USD 240 billion in 2025.
The visit follows US President Donald Trump’s recent trip to Beijing, placing China at the center of global diplomatic balancing between Washington and Moscow.
Observers note that Putin and Xi’s personal rapport—having met more than 40 times—continues to reinforce the political and economic alignment of their nations amid Western sanctions on Russia.
