Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing on Wednesday with full state ceremony, as the two leaders opened high-level talks at the Great Hall of the People, underscoring the continued strengthening of China–Russia relations.
The Russian leader was greeted with military honors, including a ceremonial guard of honour and a band playing the national anthems of both countries. Children waving Russian and Chinese flags lined the approach and shouted “Welcome, welcome!” as the two presidents entered the venue.
The meeting came just days after Xi hosted former U.S. President Donald Trump at the same location, drawing comparisons in diplomatic optics as Beijing continues balancing ties with major global powers.
Talks began with a smaller “narrow-format” session focused on sensitive strategic issues before expanding into broader discussions with delegations from both sides. The meetings concluded in the afternoon local time following hours of dialogue on trade, energy, and international security.
At the end of the talks, Xi and Putin attended a signing ceremony for a series of agreements covering technology, trade, scientific cooperation, and intellectual property. According to Chinese state media, the two sides also agreed to extend the China–Russia treaty of good neighbourliness and friendly cooperation, first signed 25 years ago.
Xi described the relationship between Beijing and Moscow as being at “the highest level of comprehensive strategic partnership,” and urged both countries to oppose “all unilateral bullying” in global affairs. He also warned of rising global tensions, saying the world risked sliding back toward a “law of the jungle.”
Putin, in his remarks, called the bilateral relationship “unprecedentedly high” and highlighted Russia’s role as a “reliable energy supplier,” particularly amid ongoing geopolitical instability. He also extended an invitation for Xi to visit Russia next year.
Later in the day, Xi is expected to host Putin for informal tea at Zhongnanhai, the central leadership compound in Beijing. The two leaders have used similar informal settings in past meetings, often projecting a close personal rapport.
The visit also included diplomatic engagements involving Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who are expected to hold further talks on bilateral coordination and global issues.
Trade and investment are expected to remain central to the partnership, with China continuing to serve as Russia’s largest trading partner and a key buyer of its energy exports. Analysts note that Moscow’s economy, under extensive Western sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine, has become increasingly dependent on economic ties with Beijing.
The summit also comes amid broader geopolitical positioning by China, which continues to manage complex relationships with both Russia and the United States. The carefully staged diplomatic setting in Beijing has drawn attention for its timing and symbolism, following recent high-profile visits by global leaders.
