Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday reaffirmed their close strategic partnership and expanding energy cooperation during talks in Beijing, held days after US President Donald Trump’s visit to China.

The two leaders oversaw the signing of over 40 cooperation agreements covering trade, technology and media exchanges, while also agreeing to extend a friendship treaty originally signed in 2001. Xi described bilateral ties as reaching “the highest level in history.”

Xi wants ‘closer, stronger strategic coordination’ between China and Russia

Putin highlighted energy cooperation as the main driver of economic relations, noting Russia’s continued role as a reliable energy supplier amid the Middle East crisis and China’s position as a major consumer. Xi called for a “complete cessation of hostilities” in the Middle East, saying an early end to the conflict would help stabilize global energy supplies and trade.

China became Russia’s top trading partner after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Bilateral trade reached about $228 billion in 2025, according to Xinhua. Russian officials said oil exports to China rose 35 percent in the first quarter of 2026.

The two leaders also projected a united stance on global affairs, criticizing unilateralism and emphasizing closer foreign policy coordination. Both praised their personal friendship, with Xi calling Putin his “longtime friend” and Putin referring to Xi as “my dear friend.”