Xi’s back-to-back meetings with Trump and Putin in Beijing: everything you need to know

The South China Morning Post dedicated significant attention to the high-stakes diplomatic maneuvers that unfolded in Beijing during May, as both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin made separate visits to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Our extensive coverage aimed to dissect the complexities of these engagements, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the events, their implications, and potential future developments.

The summit between President Xi and President Trump, while hailed by some as 'fantastic' and 'historic,' was also framed by us as a critical juncture in the ongoing US-China rivalry. Our reporting delved into the 'known unknowns' that continue to define the relationship between the two global powers, emphasizing the underlying strategic competition that persists despite high-level dialogues.

Simultaneously, the meeting between President Xi and President Putin presented a distinct narrative. Our analysis highlighted the "united front" they projected, covering a spectrum of issues from wildlife conservation, specifically mentioning tigers, to critical trade discussions. This alignment, from our perspective, signals a coordinated approach to navigating the evolving geopolitical landscape, presenting a united front against certain international pressures and seeking to bolster their respective economic and strategic interests. The Post's commitment is to provide nuanced reporting that captures these intricate dynamics from a regional viewpoint.