China Hosts Putin and Xi, Showing Global Diplomatic Influence

The United States played a significant role during a high-level summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. This marked Putin’s 25th visit to China in over two decades, coinciding with the ongoing war against Ukraine entering its fifth year.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Influence

For Xi, welcoming another world leader soon after President Donald Trump provided an ideal opportunity to showcase China’s growing influence in global affairs. Xi commented on unilateralism and hegemonic aspirations in international affairs, indirectly referencing the United States.

Both leaders expressed concerns over U.S. nuclear policy, including Trump’s missile interceptor plans, which they viewed as irresponsible threats to global stability. As major world powers and permanent UN Security Council members, China and Russia emphasized deeper strategic cooperation to establish a fairer global governance system.

Agreements and Economic Cooperation

China and Russia formalized over 20 agreements to strengthen ties in technology and visa-free travel but did not finalize the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline deal, a key issue for Putin’s economic agenda. China is cautious, given its sufficient gas supply and shift toward green energy.

Xi hosted Putin at the Great Hall of the People after welcoming Trump, indicating differences in diplomacy styles. Trump received extensive time with Xi, including banquets and intimate meetings. Protocol differences were apparent, with Putin met by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, considered influential despite his lower formal rank compared to the Vice President who greeted Trump.

Economic Focus

Putin prioritized economic ties, particularly concerning energy supplies. Russia remains a vital resource supplier to China amidst Middle Eastern conflicts, making China a top trading partner, especially for Russian oil and gas.

China’s strategic reserves and investments in green energy serve as buffers, with potential interest in American oil according to Trump, highlighting diversification efforts.

Military and Diplomatic Alignment

Russia-China relations have strengthened since the Ukraine war onset. They have expanded military exercises in the Pacific and aligned diplomatic views, though China calls for negotiation in Ukraine. Despite denying military support allegations, Chinese firms reportedly assist Russian industry.

Concerns parallel Russian reliance on China, with Russia perceived as potentially lesser in the partnership dynamic.

Diplomacy and Global Positioning

Russia’s partnership with China has steadily deepened, aligning messaging for a multipolar world alternative to U.S.-led order.

Putin’s visit spotlighted China as a global diplomatic center, coinciding with visits from international leaders seeking cooperative relations amid tensions with Washington. According to Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, discussions with Xi acknowledged a new world order shift.

Observers caution against assuming countries favor China singularly, noting practical cooperation drives visits amidst global uncertainties.