Russia and China to strengthen trade and economic cooperation

On 20 May 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, days after Trump's visit to China. The two leaders held talks, met the press and attended a signing ceremony at which delegations signed 20 documents. Russia and China also signed a declaration on a multipolar world, agreed to extend their friendship treaty, and opened the China-Russia Years of Education.

Putin said ties were at a record high, and Xi spoke of 'unyielding' ties with Russia. Both leaders criticised US foreign policy as 'irresponsible' and spoke against the US on nuclear and security issues. According to the Straits Times, they did not clinch a big gas deal. Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vucic, was set to make a state visit to China from 24 to 28 May.