Putin Meets Xi, Both Hail Progress In ChinaRussia Strategic Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping (L) inspect an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony in Beijing on May 20, 2026. Maxim Shemetov/APChinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the strength of China–Russia ties on May 20 during talks in Beijing, presenting their partnership as a stabilizing force in a turbulent world even as key economic issues, including a long-delayed gas pipeline deal, remained unresolved.Putin’s visit came only days after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a closely watched summit with Xi in the Chinese capital, adding geopolitical significance to the Kremlin leader’s trip.