Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held high-level talks in Beijing on Wednesday, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between their countries while criticising what they described as unilateral global dominance and instability in international affairs.
The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People with a formal military ceremony, came only days after United States President Donald Trump concluded an official visit to China.
Xi and Putin emphasised political trust, economic cooperation and coordination on global issues, while presenting their partnership as a stabilising force in what both leaders described as an increasingly chaotic international environment.
The two sides also signed a series of agreements covering sectors including nuclear energy, tourism, education and trade.
During the talks, Putin described Russia-China relations as a “model for intergovernmental relations in the modern world,” while Xi praised the “unyielding relationship” between Beijing and Moscow despite external pressures.
The Kremlin later released a joint statement warning against a return to the “law of the jungle” in international relations and criticised attempts by certain countries to dominate global affairs in a “colonial-era spirit.”
Russia and China also criticised Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence project, saying it threatened strategic stability.
Xi additionally raised concerns over the United States-Israeli war on Iran, saying that a comprehensive ceasefire and continued negotiations were urgently needed.
The leaders reiterated support for what Putin called an “independent and sovereign” foreign policy framework aimed at promoting a multipolar world order.
Energy cooperation remained central to the discussions, with Putin describing the sector as the “driving force” of bilateral economic relations.
China has become Russia’s largest energy customer since Western countries sharply reduced economic ties with Moscow following the Ukraine war.
Although officials said both sides had reached a “basic understanding” regarding the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, no final agreement or construction timeline was announced.
The project has remained under negotiation for years amid unresolved pricing and logistical issues.
Russia also signalled interest in expanding technological cooperation with China as Western sanctions continue to restrict access to advanced hardware and financial systems.