President Vladimir Putin of Russia is in Beijing for a two‑day state visit that both Moscow and Beijing are using to underline the depth of their “no‑limits” partnership just days after China hosted US President Donald Trump.

Putin arrived in the Chinese capital on Tuesday night and is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People today for talks that will span politics, security, energy and trade. 

The visit, taking place from 19 to 20 May at Xi’s invitation, is timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Russian Friendship Treaty, the 2001 pact that both sides call the legal bedrock of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

According to the Kremlin’s programme, Xi and Putin will first hold one-on-one talks before being joined by senior ministers for expanded discussions on “current bilateral matters.” 

[See more: Xi-Trump summit seals tactical trade truce, but no big reset] 

Plans to deepen energy cooperation – including the long‑mooted Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline and additional long‑term oil contracts – are thought to top the bilateral list, along with the expanded use of the ruble and yuan in trade settlements, and a boost to Russian exports of agricultural products and manufactured goods to the Chinese market.

The two leaders are then expected to attend the opening ceremony of the Russia-China Years of Education (2026–27), a cultural‑and‑education exchange drive. Putin will also separately meet Premier Li Qiang to discuss trade, investment and industrial cooperation, with Russian officials signalling interest in greater access to Chinese technology and capital.

On the geopolitical front, the Kremlin says Putin and Xi will “exchange views” on “key international and regional matters” – widely assumed to be Ukraine, the Middle East and the wider security environment 

The visit will conclude with a joint political declaration and the signing of a raft of intergovernmental and inter‑agency agreements, though neither side has yet detailed their full scope.