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Xi, Putin Meet in Beijing; China-Russia Strategic Ties Deepen

May 20, 2026

Summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing a long-stalled natural gas pipeline project. This visit, following closely after President Trump's trip to China, highlights efforts to shape a polycentric world and enhance energy cooperation.

How coverage differs

Left outlets emphasize Xi's red-carpet welcome for Putin, noting China's veiled US jab and deepening ties, while right outlets report the Kremlin dismissing Trump visit comparisons.

  • Left: Xi and Putin deepen strategic ties, subtly challenging US influence Left-leaning outlets highlight Chinese President Xi Jinping's red-carpet welcome for Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting the visit's timing shortly after President Trump's trip. They emphasize China's 'veiled jab at the US' and the deepening strategic alignment between Beijing and Moscow.
  • Center: Xi, Putin talks deepen strategic ties, eye polycentric world Center outlets report on the discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. They highlight the revival of the long-stalled natural gas pipeline project and efforts to shape a 'polycentric world' through 'trilateral coordination' with China.
  • Right: Kremlin: Focus on substance, not ceremony, in global power shifts Right-leaning outlets focus on the Kremlin's dismissal of any comparison between President Putin's ceremonial welcome in China and President Trump's earlier visit. They report that the Kremlin stated such comparisons 'have no point' and are irrelevant.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping
  • China’s Xi gives Putin a red-carpet welcome – and makes a veiled jab at the US - CNN

Center

  • Could Putin, Trump visits pave the way for ‘trilateral coordination’ with China?
  • Putin-Xi talks revive stalled Russian gas pipeline as Iran war rattles energy markets
  • How Xi and Putin are trying to shape a polycentric world: takeaways from the summit

Right

  • Comparison of ceremony in China for Putin and Trump visits has no point, Kremlin says

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