Russia China ties stabilising force in world Putin says before Xi talks

In an address before a two-day visit to China beginning on Tuesday, Putin said the two countries do not seek to align against any other state, but instead aim to work together for what he called “peace and universal prosperity,” News.Az reports, citing Al Jazeera.

Putin said Moscow and Beijing coordinate their efforts to defend international law and the principles of the UN Charter, adding that their cooperation is carried out through platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS. 

He said Russia-China relations have reached an “unprecedented level”, with both sides supporting each other on issues including sovereignty and national unity. Putin added that cooperation between the two countries continues to expand across politics, economics, defence and cultural exchanges, describing it as part of a broader effort to support global development.

The summit marks the second face-to-face meeting between Putin and Xi in less than a year and comes amid what analysts describe as increasing alignment between Moscow and Beijing in challenging US influence in global affairs. Putin’s visit also coincides with recent high-level US-China talks and follows years of deepening cooperation between Russia and China since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Experts say both sides are expected to use the meeting to reinforce their strategic partnership under growing external pressure. Trade between Russia and China has expanded significantly in recent years, more than doubling between 2020 and 2024 to around $245bn, with Russia supplying energy resources including oil, gas and coal, while China exports machinery, vehicles and other manufactured goods.