Xi Jinping Hosts Vladimir Putin in Beijing
New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping formally welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing on Wednesday for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening strategic and economic ties between the two nations. The visit comes shortly after former US President Donald Trump concluded a high-profile trip to the Chinese capital, placing Beijing at the centre of global diplomatic activity.
Putin was received at the airport by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi before participating in a ceremonial welcome outside the Great Hall of the People.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the leaders are expected to hold extensive discussions on bilateral cooperation, international security, trade, energy, and regional issues. Officials described the visit as an opportunity to elevate China-Russia relations to a new level while promoting global stability.
The summit also marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship. Alongside formal talks, Xi and Putin are scheduled to participate in informal diplomatic engagements, including a private tea meeting and a state banquet.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have met more than 40 times, making their diplomatic relationship one of the closest among world leaders. Relations between China and Russia have evolved significantly over the decades, moving from Cold War rivalry to strategic cooperation.
The Soviet Union was the first country to recognise the People’s Republic of China in 1949, and the two nations initially formed a communist alliance. However, ideological disagreements later led to tensions and a border conflict in 1969. Relations gradually improved after Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev visited Beijing in 1989.
Since 2013, China and Russia have increasingly aligned their geopolitical and economic interests, particularly following Western sanctions imposed on Russia after the annexation of Crimea. The partnership expanded further in 2022 when both countries declared a “no limits” strategic partnership.
Trade between the two countries has now reached record levels, supported by Russian energy exports and Chinese industrial and technological support. Analysts believe both nations are working toward reducing Western influence while promoting a more multipolar global order.
