Xi Jinping hosts Vladimir Putin in Beijing days after Trump: what to know

Key points

• Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Beijing on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, looking to deepen a strategic partnership stretching from Scandinavia to Southeast Asia.
• Underpinning the two nuclear powers’ relations is China’s economic heft complemented by Russia’s vast oil production, likely at the forefront of talks this week.
• Here’s what to know ahead of the meeting Firm friends, frequent visits Putin is a regular visitor to China and has met Mr.
• Xi dozens of times, with the two leaders often calling to extend messages, condolences and congratulations — including birthday wishes.
• This week marks his 25th trip to China, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday (May 18, 2026).