Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the strengthening relationship between Russia and China, describing it as a stabilising force in global affairs as he prepares for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Putin, who is expected to arrive in China on Tuesday evening for a two-day visit, said the partnership between both countries is focused on promoting peace, cooperation and global prosperity rather than confronting other nations.
In remarks aired by Russian state media ahead of the trip, Putin said Moscow and Beijing have continued to deepen coordination on major international issues, particularly through organisations such as the United Nations, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. He insisted that both countries remain committed to defending international law and the principles of the UN Charter, despite ongoing criticism from Western countries over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to him, relations between Russia and China have now reached an “unprecedented level,” with both nations supporting each other on issues of sovereignty and national unity.
The Kremlin leader also pointed to growing cooperation in politics, defence, trade and cultural exchange, saying both governments are actively working to strengthen bilateral ties for the benefit of their citizens. Putin’s visit to Beijing will mark the second in-person meeting between him and Xi in less than a year and coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation signed by both countries. Analysts believe the summit reflects the increasingly close alignment between Moscow and Beijing as they seek to challenge the United States’ influence in global affairs.
The meeting is also taking place just days after Xi wrapped up a separate summit in Beijing with US President Donald Trump. While that meeting featured warm diplomatic gestures, it reportedly produced little progress on major issues such as trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. Meanwhile, economic relations between Russia and China continue to expand rapidly, with trade between the two countries reaching about $245 billion between 2020 and 2024. Russia’s exports to China remain heavily driven by oil, gas and coal, while China continues supplying Russia with machinery, vehicles, electronics and other manufactured goods amid Western sanctions on Moscow.
Elijah Adeyemi
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