The leaders of China and Russia, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, today praised the progress of the two countries' strategic relations during a meeting in Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a ceremonial welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin, with an honor guard, while children waved Chinese and Russian flags.
In addition to formal talks, the two leaders will end the day with an informal meeting over tea.
Immediately following US President Donald Trump's visit to China, this visit and the results of the summit between the Chinese and Russian presidents will be closely monitored and compared, writes Reuters.
Xi said the two countries should focus on a long-term strategy and promote a "more just and reasonable" global governance system, China's Xinhua news agency reported.
"The reason China-Russia relations have reached this level is because we have been able to deepen mutual political trust and strategic cooperation," Xi said at the start of his meeting with Putin.
Moscow particularly emphasizes the importance of strengthening energy ties.
Putin said their relationship helps ensure global stability and stressed that Russia remains a reliable energy supplier amid turmoil in the Middle East.
"Even against the backdrop of unfavorable external factors, our cooperation and economic ties continue to show good... dynamics," Putin said, adding that he had invited Xi to visit Russia next year.
Putin told Xi at the meeting that the relationship between the two countries had reached an "unprecedented high level."
Putin, who called Xi a "dear friend" while Xi called him an "old friend," arrived for the visit at a time when bilateral trade is recovering after a slump last year. The two countries' trade rose 16,1 percent in the first four months of this year compared to the same period in 2025.
The Kremlin said it has "high expectations" for Putin's visit, during which, in addition to talks, several documents will be signed and a tea party will be held where the two leaders will discuss key international issues in an informal setting.
The signing of about 40 documents and a 47-page joint statement on strengthening the partnership is expected, the Kremlin said.
The leaders are also expected to discuss the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which is intended to connect Russia to northern China.
The so-called borderless partnership between China and Russia has strengthened since the West imposed sanctions to punish Russia for the war in Ukraine, according to Reuters.
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