Putin and Xi has held talks in Beijing (VIDEOS)

The Russian president’s official visit has reinforced what both sides have described as a”no-limits” relationship

Chinese President Xi Jinping has hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin for a two-day official visit in Beijing.

Putin’s visit comes days after Xi’s summit with US President Donald Trump and coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Russia-China Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, a landmark agreement that laid the foundation for the countries’ strategic partnership.

Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday night accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes senior Kremlin officials, ministers, and the heads of major Russian companies and financial institutions, including Kremlin investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, and Russian space chief Dmitry Bakanov. 

Wednesday began with one-on-one and expanded-format talks between Putin and Xi. Speaking to reporters, Xi described the discussions as “deep, friendly, and productive,” saying they covered a broad international agenda. Putin called Russia-China ties a “model of interstate relations in the modern world,” arguing the partnership is built on equal rights, mutual support, and “genuine friendliness.”

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According to the Kremlin, around 40 agreements are expected to be signed during Putin’s visit. Putin and Xi have already signed a joint statement extending the Russia-China Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, as well as a declaration on building a multipolar world, stating that attempts by “some states” to dominate global affairs, impose their interests, and restrict other countries’ sovereign development have “failed.” 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also confirmed Russia would extend its visa-free regime with China, saying the “practice has proved itself positively.” Xi meanwhile noted that despite the “difficult international situation,” bilateral trade had exceeded $200 billion, with turnover between January and April alone rising 20%, which he described as “not an easy feat.”

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