Xi and Putin Sign Over 40 Agreements During Beijing Meeting

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on Wednesday and oversaw the signing of more than 40 cooperation agreements covering trade, technology and media exchanges. The two leaders stressed their growing energy trade and declared themselves aligned on international relations.

” “Amid the crisis in the Middle East, Russia continues to maintain its role as a reliable supplier of resources, while China remains a responsible consumer of these resources,” Putin added. Xi stressed the need for a “complete cessation of hostilities” in the Middle East.

“An early end to the conflict will help reduce disruptions to energy supply stability, the smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, and international trade order,” Xi said. A Russian presidential aide said Russia’s oil exports to China grew by 35% in the first quarter of 2026.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached around $228 billion in 2025, according to Xinhua news agency. Xi pledged to accelerate cooperation in artificial intelligence, the digital economy and technological innovation.

The two sides agreed to extend a friendship treaty first signed in 2001. ” “In the current tense situation on the international stage, our close cooperation is particularly in demand,” Putin said. ” Putin invited Xi to visit Russia in 2027 and said he would take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November in southern China.