Xi Jinping Welcomes Putin to Beijing Amidst Deepening Sino-Russian Ties

Beijing rolled out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, welcoming him with full military honors at the Great Hall of the People. This high-profile reception, occurring just days after U.S. President Donald Trump's own visit to the Chinese capital, underscores the deepening strategic alignment between China and Russia.

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Xi Jinping welcomes his Russian counterpart to Beijing.

The agenda for Putin's visit is packed, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and navigating complex international and regional challenges. Discussions are expected to cover the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, as well as crucial energy cooperation, with Russia keen to expand its gas exports to China via the proposed 'Power of Siberia 2' pipeline.

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Children with Russian and Chinese flags were also seen in photos from Chinese state media.

Chinese state media has amplified the narrative of a 'lasting good-neighborly' relationship, emphasizing the shared border and the strategic importance of the partnership. This framing serves to project an image of stability and cooperation, contrasting with perceived Western efforts to isolate Russia. For China, this relationship is a cornerstone of its foreign policy, offering a counterbalance to U.S. influence and securing vital energy resources. The sheer number of agreements—around 40—to be signed signals a robust commitment to deepening this multifaceted cooperation.

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Xi and Putin will set the course for relations in a new phase.