Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, showcasing the deepening ties between their countries. Xi called Putin an “old friend” and emphasized that their relationship had withstood global upheavals, while Putin described their partnership as being at an “unprecedentedly high level.” The meeting underscored the geopolitical alignment of Beijing and Moscow as both face mounting tensions with the West.

Energy Cooperation Recast

Shortly after the leaders’ meeting, Gazprom confirmed that a deal had been reached to redirect gas flows from fields once serving Europe to supply China instead. The agreement highlights Russia’s accelerating pivot toward Asia in response to Western sanctions, and China’s growing appetite for secure long-term energy supplies. Analysts see this as part of Moscow’s strategy to reduce reliance on European markets while strengthening Beijing’s energy security.

Record-Breaking Trade

Economic ties continue to grow despite international headwinds. Bilateral trade between China and Russia hit a record $245 billion in 2024, nearly 70% higher than in 2021. The surge has been driven by energy exports, agricultural products, and rising Chinese investment in Russian infrastructure and technology. This interdependence has given Moscow a critical financial lifeline amid sanctions, while offering Beijing discounted access to vital commodities.

Shared Historical Messaging

Both Xi and Putin framed their cooperation in symbolic terms, aligning narratives around World War II commemorations. They stressed their nations’ sacrifices during the conflict while downplaying Western contributions. Joint military parades in Moscow and Beijing have reinforced this narrative, projecting unity against perceived attempts to rewrite history and presenting the partnership as a bulwark against Western influence.

Multilateral Platforms And Strategic Messaging

The meeting coincided with the SCO summit and a major military parade in Beijing. Xi used these platforms to consolidate China’s regional leadership, securing agreement on the creation of a new development bank under the SCO framework. Both leaders echoed calls to reject “Cold War mentality” and bloc politics, a veiled critique of U.S. trade measures and Western alliances. These moves signal an intent to institutionalize their partnership within broader multilateral structures.