Xi, Putin Deepen Ties With Energy, Security Deals Facing US Challenges/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their “old friend” relationship during meetings in Beijing, pledging deeper cooperation on energy and trade. The talks came alongside the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and precede China’s major WWII anniversary parade. Analysts say both nations are uniting to withstand mounting U.S. pressure, including sanctions and tariffs.
Xi and Putin Old Friend Ties Quick Looks
- Xi welcomed Putin as “old friend” during Beijing meetings
- Putin: Moscow-Beijing ties at “unprecedentedly high level”
- Leaders shared tea at Zhongnanhai, signaling strong ties
- China to offer 30-day visa-free access for Russians
- New gas pipeline deal signed between Gazprom and Chinese firms
- Western sanctions target Chinese companies aiding Russia’s war industry
- Xi pushes for “more just” global governance reforms
- Trump’s tariffs on China and India reshape alignments
- Modi met separately with Xi and Putin at Tianjin summit
- Xi and Putin also held trilateral with Mongolia’s president
Xi, Putin Deepen Ties With Energy, Security Deals Facing US Challenges
Deep Look
BEIJING — Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Tuesday, hailing him as an “old friend” and reaffirming a partnership that has only deepened since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The meetings, which followed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, come at a moment when both nations face intensifying pressure from the United States.
Putin, addressing Xi as “dear friend,” declared that relations between Moscow and Beijing stand “at an unprecedentedly high level.” The day’s symbolism went beyond formalities: after talks, the two shared tea at Zhongnanhai, China’s top leadership compound, underscoring the personal and political weight of their bond.
Energy and Trade Deals Cement Cooperation
Following the talks, Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller announced a memorandum to construct another natural gas pipeline to China, alongside expanded energy delivery agreements with Chinese state firms. For Russia, facing Western sanctions, China has provided an economic lifeline, keeping trade flowing despite restrictions.
China reciprocated by offering 30-day visa-free entry for Russian travelers, a move likely to bolster business and tourism.
Historical Resonance, Present Tensions
The timing of the meetings carries symbolism: on Wednesday, Beijing will stage a grand military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender. Putin invoked shared history, recalling the Soviet Union’s aid to China against Japanese forces. “We were always together then, we remain together now,” he said.
China officially maintains neutrality on Ukraine but has shielded Moscow from isolation by expanding trade. Meanwhile, the U.S. and EU have sanctioned Chinese firms accused of supporting Russia’s military industry, heightening geopolitical friction.
Shared Response to U.S. Pressure
“China and Russia face the same problem and must work together to jointly cope with the pressure from the U.S.,” said Li Xin, director at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.
Both leaders framed their partnership as part of a broader effort to reform global governance. Xi called for “a more just and equitable” world order, not to overturn the current system but to reshape it in ways that reflect their interests.
Trump’s Tariffs Reshape Alignments
President Donald Trump’s tariffs on both China and India have further realigned global politics. Though Washington has since resumed trade talks with Beijing, Trump’s policies have nudged New Delhi closer to Moscow and Beijing. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met separately with both Xi and Putin at the SCO summit, even as he opted out of attending China’s upcoming parade.
Regional Triangular Diplomacy
In a trilateral meeting before their bilateral talks, Xi and Putin sat down with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. Putin emphasized that Russia, China, and Mongolia are “good neighbors” with shared goals in resource development and regional cooperation.
Mongolia’s balancing act has drawn attention, particularly after refusing to act on an International Criminal Court warrant against Putin during his 2024 visit.
The Big Picture
For Xi and Putin, the reaffirmation of “old friend” ties is more than ceremony. It signals their shared intent to counter U.S. influence, navigate sanctions, and advance an alternative vision of global order. Energy pipelines, visa deals, and summit diplomacy all serve to deepen a partnership forged by necessity — and increasingly defined by resistance to the West.
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