Xi Jinping hosts Vladimir Putin in Beijing days after Trump: what to know
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- Vladimir Putin arrives in Beijing on May 19, 2026 for a summit with Xi Jinping, marking his 25th visit to China.
- Xi Jinping frames the China‑Russia partnership as “ironclad,” emphasizing a 30‑year‑plus strategic bond after hosting Donald Trump earlier in May.
- Russian oil makes up >70% of China’s imports from Russia, and Russian oil exports to China have risen ~30% since 2022, while Russian imports overall represent only ~5% of China’s total imports in 2025.
- China accounts for more than a third of Russia’s imports and over a quarter of its exports in 2025, underscoring the asymmetry in the relationship.
- Natasha Kuhrt says the timing of Putin’s visit after Trump’s signals a diplomatic signal to Washington, while Zhao Long notes it reassures Moscow of its privileged place in Beijing’s strategic calculus.
Why it matters: Russia secures a privileged spot in Beijing’s strategic calculus while China locks in a key energy market, tightening Moscow’s reliance on Chinese oil purchases and sending a clear united front to Washington against US influence.
