Xi and Putin hold Beijing summit with energy and Iran on the agenda
Primary region China
Tags Diplomacy · Energy
Regions China · Europe · Middle East
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in Beijing, with energy cooperation and the Iran war among the key topics. Putin described Russia-China ties as being at a 'record high,' while Xi hailed 'unyielding' relations between the two countries. The summit took place less than a week after Trump's visit to Beijing, underscoring the competitive dynamics of great-power diplomacy.
Strategic interpretation
The timing of the Putin-Xi summit, immediately after Trump's Beijing visit, signals China's intent to position itself as an alternative pole of global diplomacy, particularly on the Iran issue. Energy cooperation discussions likely include Russian oil and gas exports to China, which could help Russia sustain its economy amid Western sanctions. China's ability to engage both Washington and Moscow gives it unique leverage as a potential mediator in the Iran conflict, though Beijing has so far stopped short of direct involvement.