Xi’s double act: Putin arrives in China days after Trump’s departure

Xi’s Double Act: Putin Arrives in China Days After Trump’s Departure

Xi s double act – Just over a week following a high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump, Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing for a state visit. This event underscores the deepening partnership between China and Russia, which has become a cornerstone of their geopolitical strategy amid global shifts. The timing of Putin’s arrival, mere days after Trump’s exit from the White House, has drawn attention to the contrast between the two leaders’ approaches to international relations and their shared goals in challenging Western dominance.

As the world grapples with the consequences of the US-Iran conflict, both China and Russia have positioned themselves as key players in stabilizing global oil markets. The Trump administration’s focus on Iran has diverted attention from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, creating an opportunity for Beijing and Moscow to reinforce their alliance. During his visit, Putin will likely emphasize how China’s economic strength and strategic independence provide a reliable alternative to US-led alliances, a theme that has been central to Russia’s diplomatic efforts in recent years.

The visit marks Putin’s 25th trip to China since he assumed leadership in 2000. Over this period, the two nations have solidified cooperation in trade, security, and diplomacy, driven by mutual distrust of the United States and a shared vision for a multipolar world. Their personal rapport, often described in official communications as a “close friendship,” has further strengthened ties. Xi and Putin have met more than 40 times, with each encounter building on the previous one to align their policies and counter Western influence.

State media in China has already framed the visit as a demonstration of the country’s growing influence on the global stage. A recent article in the state-backed Global Times highlighted the “unshakable bonds” between the two nations, particularly in times of international uncertainty. The publication also noted that the near-consecutive visits from Trump and Putin signal China’s emergence as the focal point of global diplomacy, a role it has increasingly embraced since the US’s pivot toward Asia.

“Russia-China relations have reached a truly unprecedented level,” Putin stated in a pre-visit message. “We support each other on matters affecting the core interests of both countries, including the protection of sovereignty and state unity.”

Following the official welcome, Putin was greeted by a group of young Chinese citizens at the airport who chanted, “Welcome, welcome, enthusiastically welcome!” The enthusiastic reception reflects the broader public sentiment toward the Russian leader, who is seen as a symbol of stability and collaboration. This moment of unity contrasts sharply with the earlier interactions between Xi and Trump, which were marked by both camaraderie and divergence in policy priorities.

As the talks between Xi and Putin unfold, key issues will dominate the agenda. These include the evolving dynamics of the Ukraine war, where China’s continued support for Russia has been critical to sustaining Moscow’s military operations. China’s purchases of Russian oil and dual-use goods have provided essential resources for the war effort, while also deepening economic reliance on its larger neighbor. Analysts note that this relationship has become increasingly lopsided, with Russia benefiting from China’s financial and logistical support in exchange for access to energy markets.

The Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, a long-discussed project, is expected to be a central topic during the visit. This initiative, which advanced during Putin’s previous trip to Beijing in September 2025, aims to solidify Russia’s energy exports to China. With the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Iran conflict also on the table, Xi and Putin may explore how to leverage their partnership in addressing regional tensions. The White House’s recent statement on achieving agreement with China regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reopening the Hormuz Strait could serve as a template for collaborative diplomacy between Beijing and Moscow.

Despite their strong alignment, the two leaders will need to navigate complex challenges. For Putin, the recent setbacks in Ukraine—particularly the toll on his military—may pressure him to secure China’s continued backing. Meanwhile, Xi will likely emphasize how the partnership strengthens China’s position as a global leader, independent of US influence. The two nations have already demonstrated their ability to coordinate on critical issues, such as the Iran conflict, which has disrupted global oil supply chains and created opportunities for non-Western powers to step in.

The timing of the visit also highlights a broader pattern. Putin and Xi have frequently engaged in high-level discussions in proximity to US diplomatic engagements, including talks with Trump. For instance, they met shortly after Trump’s inauguration last year, when the new administration was still shaping its foreign policy approach. This strategy allows China and Russia to align their interests while the US is preoccupied with its own agenda. The recent focus on the Iran conflict further underscores how the two nations are positioning themselves as alternatives to American leadership in global affairs.

As the meetings progress, the declaration on “establishing a multipolar world” and “new type of international relations” will likely reinforce their vision of a more balanced global order. This framework seeks to reduce the United States’ dominance and promote cooperation among emerging powers. While the US has been a dominant force in international politics for decades, China and Russia’s growing collaboration suggests a shift in power dynamics, with both nations aiming to reshape the geopolitical landscape.

Looking ahead, the success of this visit could influence future strategies. By addressing shared concerns—such as the US-Iran conflict, the Ukraine war, and the need for energy security—Xi and Putin may solidify their alliance as a key counterweight to Western influence. The lessons from their previous interactions, including the personal and strategic dimensions of their relationship, will inform the outcomes of these discussions. As the world watches their cooperation unfold, the implications for global politics are expected to be far-reaching.