Xi Jinping And Putin Meeting Begins In Beijing

• 20.05.2026, 8:52

This is the Russian dictator's first foreign trip in 2026.

Chinese leader Si Jinping and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin began meeting in Beijing on Wednesday, May 20.

The VBC reported.

It noted that the sides are to hold talks on bilateral relations and international issues.

According to the publication, Putin arrived at Tiananmen Square, which was decorated with symbols of China and the aggressor country Russia for his visit. He was greeted by a military band, an honor guard of the Chinese military and children carrying the flags of both countries, the BBC stressed.

It added that this is the Russian dictator's first foreign trip in 2026.

The Kremlin said on May 15 that Putin will arrive in Beijing on May 19-20 to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The visit will take place shortly after Xi's summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to the publication's sources close to the Russian authorities, the Kremlin expects that instability in energy markets due to the situation in the Middle East will force Beijing to become more accommodating on gas prices for the future Power of Siberia-2 pipeline. Russian officials claim that the Chinese side is showing interest in speeding up negotiations, although there is no concrete breakthrough yet.