NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China on a two-day state visit aimed at deepening strategic cooperation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as Beijing seeks to strengthen ties with Moscow while maintaining stable diplomatic relations with the United States. The visit comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded high-level talks in Beijing, placing China at the centre of major global diplomatic developments.

According to the Kremlin, Putin and Xi are expected to discuss economic cooperation, energy partnerships and key international and regional issues, including developments related to the Ukraine conflict and global security. The visit also marks the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship, which laid the foundation for long-term political and economic cooperation between the two countries.

China and Russia have expanded trade and energy cooperation significantly in recent years, with China remaining one of Russia’s largest economic partners amid Western sanctions on Moscow. Discussions are also expected to include progress on major energy projects, including the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which could strengthen energy links between both nations.

At the same time, China is attempting to maintain stable relations with Washington following recent diplomatic meetings between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. Chinese officials have emphasized a “constructive and strategically stable” relationship with the U.S., indicating Beijing’s effort to balance competition with cooperation while preserving its close strategic partnership with Russia. Analysts say Xi’s diplomatic approach reflects China’s attempt to position itself as a stable global power amid rising geopolitical uncertainty