Xi Jinping Putin meeting focuses on global tensions
The Xi Jinping Putin meeting in Beijing on Wednesday centred on growing tensions in the Middle East, global stability and closer strategic cooperation between China and Russia.
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the world was moving towards a “law of the jungle” situation if ongoing wars and military conflicts were not stopped. He made the remarks during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Xi said prolonged wars and unilateral military actions could weaken international rules and create instability across the world. He stressed the need to stop the fighting and restore global balance.
Xi Jinping Putin meeting highlights China-Russia partnership
During the Xi Jinping Putin meeting, both leaders said China and Russia would continue working together for a more balanced and multipolar global order.
The two sides discussed the Middle East conflict, BRICS cooperation, energy security and international politics during high-level talks in Beijing.
Putin said Russia-China relations had grown stronger over the last 25 years and described the partnership as important for stability and economic development.
Xi also said Beijing and Moscow should work together to strengthen global governance systems and oppose dominance-based international politics.
Russia and China expected to sign 40 agreements
According to reports, Russia and China are expected to sign around 40 agreements during Putin’s visit.
The agreements are likely to cover sectors including energy, tourism, trade and education. Putin travelled to Beijing with a large business and government delegation.
Analysts said energy cooperation has become increasingly important for Russia after European countries reduced imports of Russian gas following the Ukraine war.
Energy cooperation remains key agenda item
The Xi Jinping Putin meeting also drew attention to the proposed “Power of Siberia-2” gas pipeline project.
The pipeline is expected to transport nearly 50 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually from Russia to northern China through Mongolia.
Russia has been seeking stronger energy partnerships with China as Western sanctions continue to affect its economy.
Officials said discussions on expanding long-term gas supply cooperation may continue during the visit.
China balances ties with Russia and the US
Experts believe the visit reflects China’s effort to maintain strategic balance between Russia and the United States amid global tensions linked to Ukraine and the Middle East.
The growing cooperation between Beijing and Moscow is being closely watched by Western countries, especially after increased trade and energy ties following the Ukraine conflict.
Official figures showed bilateral trade between China and Russia reached more than 228 billion US dollars last year.
Xi and Putin have met over 40 times
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have met more than 40 times over the years and are considered among the world’s closest strategic partners.
Since becoming Chinese President in 2013, Xi has repeatedly highlighted the importance of ties with Russia. Putin has also prioritised China during several foreign visits.
The two leaders regularly cooperate through platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Both countries continue to support the idea of a multipolar world order in which global influence is shared among several major powers.
