Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged on Tuesday to strengthen the “comprehensive strategic partnership” between their nations during high-level talks at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.

Both leaders hailed the unprecedented level of political trust and cooperation between China and Russia, describing their relationship as a model for global interstate relations.

Xi referred to Putin as a “long-time friend,” emphasizing that the China-Russia partnership has weathered changing international dynamics. “Our relations have stood the test of international circumstances,” Xi stated, underscoring their shared commitment to upholding the outcomes of World War II and advocating for a “more just and rational global governance system.”

Putin echoed Xi’s remarks, noting that Russian-Chinese relations are at an “unprecedentedly high level.” Highlighting the historical foundation of their partnership rooted in wartime solidarity and mutual assistance, Putin said: “We were together then, we remain together now,” expressing optimism about the outcomes of their discussions.

The summit agenda focused on deepening strategic interaction, expanding practical cooperation in trade, energy, and technology, and enhancing coordination on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The leaders also addressed pressing global and regional issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the recent summit between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, in August 2025. Sources indicate that Xi and Putin discussed strategies to navigate evolving geopolitical challenges, particularly amid rising U.S.-Russia tensions and China’s increasing role as a global mediator.

The meeting followed Putin’s participation in the 25th SCO summit in Tianjin, where member states reaffirmed their commitment to countering terrorism, separatism, and extremism while promoting economic cooperation. On Tuesday, Xi and Putin held a trilateral meeting with Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh to discuss regional connectivity initiatives, including the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and trade links.

On Wednesday, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are scheduled to join leaders from 26 countries at a grand military parade in Beijing, highlighting China’s diplomatic outreach and military capabilities. Analysts suggest the parade, combined with high-profile meetings, reflects China’s ambition to assert greater influence on the global stage amid shifting alliances.

The Xi-Putin summit comes amid heightened international scrutiny of the China-Russia partnership, with Western nations expressing concern over alignment on issues such as Ukraine and Taiwan. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a multipolar world order, signaling intent to counterbalance Western influence through strengthened bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The summit underscores the enduring political, economic, and strategic bond between Beijing and Moscow, positioning the two nations as pivotal actors in shaping the future of global governance. (ILKHA)