President Putin in China, received directly by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Official reception ceremony was when President Putin in China met President Xi Jinping. Russia–China summit talks kicked off in the Great Hall of the People in both restricted and expanded formats. Putin also met Peng Pai and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at his residence. Hosted by the Chinese President Xi to mark 25 years of the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation Treaty.

Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stressed that behind those firmly closed doors, Putin and Xi discussed every pressing global issue during the tea session. In Chinese diplomacy, tea equals absolute, unshakeable trust. The decisions made over this tea are so consequential they are almost certain to be finalized right there. A package deal to permanently shift global power!

President Xi Jinping was all set to host President Putin in China. This is days after his meeting with US President Trump in China. This balances ties with Russia, the US and Europe amid rising tensions and the Strait of Hormuz disruptions pressuring energy markets.

President Xi welcomed President Putin in China

Chinese President Xi welcomed Russian President Putin in China for a two-day Beijing visit started on May 19 to 20, 2026. This meeting comes just days after US President Trump visited Beijing. The timing shows how China is trying to keep good relations with both the United States and Russia at the same time.

Putin’s trip marks his 25th visit to China. It celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two countries. The leaders plan to meet at the Great Hall of the People. They talked about trade, energy, and world issues. Officials expect them to sign around 40 agreements. These may include a joint statement and plans for Russia-China Years of Education in 2026-2027.

A key topic will be energy cooperation. Russia wants to sell more oil and gas to China. Talks may cover the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline. This project could send up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas to China each year. Bilateral trade between China and Russia has already reached more than $200 billion a year. Most of it is now done in Chinese yuan and Russian rubles, not US dollars.

China’s Balancing Act

China is playing a careful role in world politics. It wants to stay friendly with Russia while improving ties with the United States. Trump’s recent high-profile visit to Beijing focused on trade, technology, and other issues. Xi rolled out the red carpet for Trump. Now he is doing the same for Putin, calling him an “old friend.”

This double hosting lets China show itself as a stable and important global power. Many countries face wars, trade fights, and energy problems. Beijing wants to look like a predictable partner that can talk to everyone.

China also manages relations with Europe. Some European countries worry about China’s close ties with Russia, especially because of the war in Ukraine. But China remains Europe’s big trade partner. Beijing encourages Europe to follow its own path, separate from full US alignment. At the same time, China does not want to damage its important business links with Europe.

Energy Market Pressures from the Strait of Hormuz

Global energy markets are under stress because of problems in the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow sea passage in the Middle East carries about 20% of the world’s oil and a large share of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Disruptions started after tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israel in early 2026. Iran’s actions have greatly reduced shipping through the Strait.

Oil prices have risen sharply. Brent crude has seen big swings, sometimes going above $100 per barrel. This creates higher costs for importing countries. China is the world’s largest buyer of oil. It gets a lot from the Middle East. The disruptions make China look for safer supplies.

Russia offers one answer. Increased Russian oil and gas sales to China to help both countries. China can reduce its risk from the Middle East, and Russia would earn money while facing Western sanctions. China has also bought more energy from the United States during this crisis. This shows its flexible approach.

The Hormuz problem adds urgency to the Xi-Putin talks. Both leaders discuss ways to make energy supplies more secure. They may also talk about the situation in the Middle East and other international issues.

Background on China-Russia Ties

China and Russia have grown closer in recent years. They share a “no-limits” strategic partnership. They often work together at the United Nations and in groups like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Their militaries hold joint exercises. Trade has boomed as Russia turns away from Europe.

For President Putin in China, this visit is important. It shows Russia is not isolated. For Xi, it sends a strong message that China will not choose sides completely. It keeps options open with Washington while supporting its partner in Moscow.

Analysts say the back-to-back visits are a diplomatic success for China. It hosted the US president and the Russian leader the next. This makes Beijing a central player that the world cannot ignore.

What It Means for the World

These meetings has been happening during tense times. Trade disputes, technology limits, the situation in Taiwan, the war in Ukraine, and Middle East conflicts all create uncertainty. China’s strategy is to protect its own interests.

Steady economic growth, secure energy, and influence in global affairs. Many European nations want to reduce risks from both Russia and over-dependence on China. But they also need markets and supplies. China’s balancing act makes everyone think wisely.

Al Jazeera’s Katrina Yu, reporting from Beijing, has covered these high-level visits. Her reporting highlights the warm personal rapport between Xi and his guests and the careful symbolism China uses in diplomacy.
President Putin in China and President Xi are walking on a tightrope. They shake hands with America on one day and with the other on another day. China can buy energy from where it can while global markets shake heavily due to the Strait of Hormuz troubles. This visit with Putin is not just about friendship, it is about China staying strong and steady.

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