Putin flies to Beijing: talks with Xi after Trump's visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Beijing next week for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, a trip that comes just days after Donald Trump's visit to the Chinese capital. The Kremlin has already confirmed the dates, and Moscow hopes to discuss key issues of bilateral relations and global politics.

Expectations from bilateral negotiations

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the meeting would give Moscow an opportunity to exchange views on China's contacts with the United States. The leaders plan to discuss not only economic issues but also major international and regional problems. Several bilateral documents are expected to be signed, which could concern trade, energy and security. The Russian side emphasizes that such meetings help maintain a balance in relations, despite the obvious asymmetry in economic ties.

Economic imbalance between Russia and China

Russia supplies China with more than a third of its imports, and China buys more than a quarter of its exports. At the same time, Russia’s share of China’s foreign trade is only about four percent, less than Vietnam’s. This disparity has long troubled Moscow, but Beijing is trying to maintain the appearance of equality. In 2026, as global supply chains continue to shift, Russia remains an important energy partner for China. The war in Iran, which has been going on for several years, has significantly limited global oil and gas supplies, so Chinese companies are increasingly buying Russian energy resources.

Gas pipeline project through Mongolia

Russia has been pushing for years to build a new gas pipeline that would connect Siberian fields to China’s interior through Mongolia. The project would complement the existing Power of Siberia and another pipeline that is nearing completion. Beijing has so far been cautious, fearing overreliance on a single supplier. The parties plan to finalize technical details and financial terms during talks in May 2026. Putin said after the Victory Parade on May 9 that Russia and China were “very close to an agreement on a significant step forward in oil and gas cooperation.” If the documents are signed during the visit, it would send an important signal to global energy markets.

Reaction to Trump's visit to Beijing

Moscow has been closely monitoring the US president's trip. Putin expressed hope that there will be no illegal sanctions or escalation of economic tensions between Washington and Beijing. Trump's visit ended on May 15 without any high-profile statements, but the Chinese side confirmed its readiness for further dialogue. Russian experts believe that the current situation opens up additional opportunities for Moscow, even if negotiations with Xi Jinping are not always easy. Andrey Kortunov of the Valdai Club noted that the parties have different views on a number of issues, but common challenges force them to seek compromises.

Geopolitical context of 2026

In May 2026, world politics remain tense. The conflict in Ukraine continues, and Western sanctions against Russia have not eased. China, for its part, seeks to diversify its energy sources and avoid direct confrontation with the United States. Putin's visit to Beijing could become a platform for discussing not only energy, but also security issues in Asia and the role of both countries in international organizations. Experts predict that the parties will sign agreements on joint projects in the Arctic and the digital economy, which will allow Russia to partially compensate for losses from Western restrictions.

Impact on global energy markets

China’s growing demand for Russian gas has already had an impact on prices in Europe and Asia. If the new pipeline through Mongolia is built, annual supplies could reach 50 billion cubic meters. This would reduce Beijing’s dependence on sea routes, which remain vulnerable due to tensions in the South China Sea. Russian companies, including Gazprom and Rosneft, are actively preparing infrastructure. Chinese partners, in turn, are investing in processing capacity on the border to maximize the benefits of cooperation.

Future prospects of the partnership

Analysts believe that the meeting in Beijing will lay the foundation for long-term agreements for the next five years. Russia will receive guaranteed sales markets, and China - stable supplies at competitive prices. At the same time, both countries will continue to coordinate positions on sanctions and international trade. In 2026, when artificial intelligence and green technologies are gaining momentum, the parties will also discuss joint projects in these areas. This approach allows Moscow and Beijing to maintain strategic autonomy despite pressure from the West.

Sources

1. Kremlin, official statement dated May 16, 2026.
2. Reuters, “Putin to visit China days after Trump trip,” updated May 16, 2026.
3. Financial Times, "Russia-China energy ties deepen amid global supply strains", May 2026.
4. Valdai Discussion Club, press conference by Andrey Kort