Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 19-20, 2026, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump's official visit to China (May 13-15). The sequence of visits marks the first time in almost nine years that a U.S. president had visited China, with Trump being the last to do so in 2017. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"From 13 to 15 May 2026, the president of the United States, Donald Trump, made a state visit to China."
"This was also the first time a U.S. president had visited China in almost nine years, the last time being Trump's visit in 2017."
According to the Kremlin, Putin and Xi signed approximately 40 documents and a 47-page joint statement on strengthening their strategic partnership. Xi received Putin with an honor guard and gun salute at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The visit was timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation between Russia and China. ✓
Press quotes (3)
"Some 40 documents are expected to be signed and a 47-page joint statement on their strengthening partnership will be issued, according to the Kremlin."
"President Xi Jinping welcomed President Vladimir Putin with an honor guard and a gun salute at the Great Hall of the People, as children waved Chinese and Russian flags."
"The Russian President's visit is timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation, which serves as the basis for interstate relations."
According to Russian authorities cited by CNN Brasil, the two leaders discussed topics including the war in the Middle East, the situation in Ukraine, energy cooperation, and building a "multipolar world order." Putin declared before the trip that relations between Moscow and Beijing had reached a "truly unprecedented level." Xi described the relationship between the countries as "unbreakable," according to China's state news agency Xinhua. ✓
Press quotes (3)
"Segundo autoridades russas, Putin e Xi devem discutir temas como a guerra no Oriente Médio, a situação na Ucrânia, cooperação energética, comércio bilateral e a construção de uma "ordem mundial multipolar""
"Em mensagem divulgada antes da viagem, Putin afirmou que as relações entre Moscou e Pequim atingiram um "nível verdadeiramente sem precedentes"."
"Xi Jinping corroborou a fala de Putin e classificou como "inquebrável" a relação entre China e Rússia, segundo a estatal chinesa."
China has become Russia's main trading partner following Western sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine. Among the economic topics is the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project, considered strategic for expanding Russian gas supplies to China. Russia is already the main supplier of crude oil to the Chinese. ✓
Press quotes (3)
"A China se tornou o principal parceiro comercial da Rússia e uma das maiores compradoras do petróleo russo sob sanções internacionais."
"Entre os principais temas econômicos do encontro está o projeto do gasoduto Força da Sibéria 2, discutido há anos pelos dois países e considerado estratégico para ampliar o fornecimento de gás russo à China."
"Atualmente, a Rússia já é a principal fornecedora de petróleo bruto para os chineses."
Putin visited Xi Jinping on May 19-20, just days after Trump's visit (May 13-15)
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (1)
China emerging as 'focal point of global diplomacy' due to consecutive visits
Conflicting versions (1)
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What were the specific terms of the 40 documents signed between Putin and Xi?
Why it's still unknown: The Kremlin mentioned the signing of approximately 40 documents, but no source detailed the specific content of the agreements.
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How might the recent rapprochement between Trump and Xi during the American visit affect Russian interests?
Why it's still unknown: Analysts mentioned that Putin seeks to assess whether Sino-American rapprochement affects Moscow, but no concrete results of these assessments were reported.
Did not cover: CNN Brasil -
What is the current status of negotiations on the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline?
Why it's still unknown: The project was mentioned as a discussion topic, but no source reported concrete progress or implementation timeline.