Putin meets Xi Jinping for state visit in Beijing following Trump's China trip

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday evening for a two-day state visit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, just days after US President Donald Trump concluded his own high-profile trip to China. The timing of these consecutive visits underscores the complex triangular relationship between the three major powers and China's central role in global geopolitics.

Putin was welcomed at Beijing Capital Airport by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Russian president traveled with an extensive delegation of ministers and CEOs, emphasizing the economic dimension of the visit. This composition of the delegation signals that concrete business agreements are on the agenda alongside political discussions.

A key focus of talks between Putin and Xi Jinping is expected to be the stalled Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project. This major infrastructure initiative would double Russia's gas exports to China and represents an important component of the energy partnership between both countries. However, negotiations over the project have proven difficult, as China appears to be in no hurry to agree to the deal.

The relationship between Putin and Xi Jinping has deepened considerably in recent years. Both leaders have repeatedly described each other as "long-time good friends" and have expanded their strategic partnership. This rapprochement has occurred against the backdrop of increasing tensions with Western countries and both nations' desire to strengthen their position in a multipolar world order.

The timing of Putin's visit is notable as it comes just days after Trump's China trip. While Trump's visit included nine hours of high-level talks, including meetings at the Great Hall of the People and a banquet, Putin's visit appears designed to demonstrate the unshakeable nature of Sino-Russian ties. Observers see this as an attempt to show that the partnership between Moscow and Beijing is independent of other diplomatic developments.

For China, the sequence of both visits presents a diplomatic challenge. The country must carefully balance its relationships with both Russia and the United States without alienating either side. This balancing act is complicated by the different expectations of both partners: while Russia hopes for increased support and concrete economic agreements, the US seeks ways to ease trade relations.

The economic dimension of Sino-Russian relations has gained considerable importance in recent years. Energy cooperation, particularly in gas and oil supplies, forms a central pillar of the partnership. Russia is eager to diversify its energy exports to Asia, while China needs to meet its growing energy demands.

Experts will closely watch the outcomes of the talks, particularly regarding the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline. A breakthrough on this project would significantly strengthen relations, while further delays could raise questions about the limits of the partnership. Negotiations over such major projects are complex and involve technical, financial, and geopolitical aspects.

The visit takes place at a time when global power dynamics are shifting. Relations between major powers are increasingly characterized by strategic competition, while economic interdependencies remain. For both countries, it is important to strengthen their partnership without jeopardizing other important relationships.

The diplomatic choreography surrounding these consecutive visits reflects the evolving nature of international relations. China's ability to host both the US and Russian leaders within days of each other demonstrates its growing influence and the recognition by both Washington and Moscow of Beijing's importance in global affairs. The outcomes of these high-level engagements will likely influence the trajectory of great power relations in the coming months.