BEIJING/SINGAPORE- (Reuters): Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host Russian President Vladimir Putin this week in a move widely seen as an effort by Beijing to present itself as a stable and reliable global power amid rising trade tensions, ongoing wars, and global energy uncertainty.
The two-day visit marks Putin’s 25th trip to China and has been described by both countries as further proof of their “all-weather” strategic partnership. The visit comes shortly after former US President Donald Trump made a high-profile trip to China that produced positive diplomatic optics but limited major commercial outcomes.
China and Russia continue to strengthen ties despite Western calls for Beijing to pressure Moscow into ending the war in Ukraine. While China maintains that it is neutral in the conflict and supports peace efforts, Putin has repeatedly stated that Beijing and Moscow support each other’s “core interests,” particularly as Russia seeks deeper energy cooperation with China under Western sanctions.
Ian Storey, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, said the summit demonstrates that the China-Russia strategic partnership remains central to both countries’ foreign policies and signals that attempts by the United States to divide them are unlikely to succeed.
Beijing is also attempting to reinforce its image as a pillar of global stability at a time when the United States faces challenges in resolving the Ukraine conflict and managing tensions involving Iran that have disrupted global energy markets.
Chinese officials have stressed that Beijing’s diplomacy remains consistent and independent despite international pressure. Analysts believe China is unlikely to push Russia to end the Ukraine war, arguing that a Russian defeat could weaken Putin politically and reduce Moscow’s strategic value to Beijing.
China has denied supplying lethal weapons to either side in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating that it strictly controls exports of dual-use technologies.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the two leaders will discuss bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern during the visit.
Energy cooperation is also expected to feature prominently in talks. During Putin’s previous visit in September 2025, both countries agreed to proceed with the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, although pricing terms remain unresolved. Analysts say ongoing energy supply disruptions linked to tensions involving Iran may strengthen Russia’s case for the project, while China is expected to continue diversifying its energy imports through discussions with both Russia and Turkmenistan.
