Xi and Putin Sign Multipolar World Declaration in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a high-profile summit in Beijing on May 20, 2026, marking Putin's 25th visit to China. The leaders signed a joint declaration on the establishment of a multipolar world and a "new type" of international relations, a 47-page document advocating for a global order based on sovereignty and non-interference to counter Western influence. They also agreed to extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, commemorating the 30th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

The summit resulted in the signing of approximately 40 cooperation agreements spanning trade, technology, education, and infrastructure. To facilitate people-to-people exchanges, China extended its visa-free policy for Russian citizens until December 31, 2027, with Russia pledging a reciprocal extension. Bilateral trade has shown strong growth, exceeding 200 billion U.S. dollars for three consecutive years and reaching nearly 240 billion in 2025, with nearly all transactions now conducted in rubles and yuan.

Despite the strategic alignment, some frictions remained. The two nations failed to finalize an agreement on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline due to pricing disputes. The meeting occurred shortly after a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump; while Xi and Putin criticized U.S. nuclear policy and missile defense plans, China simultaneously stabilized ties with the U.S. by confirming the purchase of 200 Boeing jets. In regional discussions, Xi called for an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East to protect global energy supplies.