Putin and Xi Strengthen Ties and Extend Friendship Treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a two-day state visit to Beijing on May 20, 2026, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to mark a new stage in bilateral relations. The leaders signed two joint statements to strengthen comprehensive strategic coordination and agreed to extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, noting the 25th anniversary of the original agreement.

Xi outlined four dimensions for development: political mutual trust, mutually beneficial cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and international coordination. Both leaders advocated for a multipolar world and a reform of the global governance system through the UN, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to make it more just and equitable. To support these ties, China extended its visa-free policy for Russian citizens until December 31, 2027, and both nations launched the China-Russia Years of Education.

Economic cooperation remains a central pillar of the partnership. Bilateral trade has exceeded 200 billion U.S. dollars for three consecutive years, with growth of 19.7 percent to reach 85.2 billion U.S. dollars between January and April 2026. To sustain this momentum, the nations implemented an upgraded agreement on the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments to improve industrial and supply chain cooperation.