Putin Hails Russia‑China Ties ‘Unprecedented’ Beijing
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- Putin said Russia‑China cooperation shows "strong, positive momentum" despite "unfavourable external factors" during his May 20 meeting with Xi in Beijing.
- Xi praised the "unyielding" China‑Russia ties, Chinese state media reported.
- Putin arrived in Beijing weakened by sanctions and the Ukraine war, but sees the meeting as a chance to urge China to accelerate a gas pipeline, citing Washington’s war in Iran as an opportunity for energy‑hungry partners.
- Putin released a video message stating that relations have reached "a truly unprecedented level" and that trade between Russia and China continues to grow.
- Washington’s war in Iran opens an opportunity for energy‑hungry partners to seek alternatives, prompting Putin to press China on speeding up a key gas pipeline.
Why it matters: Russia could secure one key gas pipeline, boosting energy revenue while China locks in a new gas source; Western oil markets may tighten as Russian supply shifts.
