Putin to Meet Xi in Beijing After US‑China Summit
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- Vladimir Putin is expected to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing shortly after the China‑U.S. summit on May 14‑15.
- U.S. Treasury sanctioned three Chinese firms—Meentropy Technology Co. Ltd, The Earth Eye, and Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd.—for providing satellite imagery that aids Iran missile targeting, and nine additional firms for facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China.
- Russia is reportedly shipping upgraded Shahed drones to Iran, enhancing weapons that Iran previously supplied to Russia for the Ukraine war.
- China and Russia maintain partnership agreements with Iran but lack a formal military alliance; Chinese officials warn that higher energy prices from a prolonged Gulf conflict create economic risks for China.
- Wang Yi called for “closer and stronger strategic coordination” between China and Russia, yet Xi is unlikely to push Russia to pressure Iran.
Why it matters: China’s sanctioned firms lose US market access, cutting revenue, while Iran gains enhanced missile guidance; Russia’s drone aid bolsters Iran’s strike capability, potentially prolonging the Ukraine conflict.
