On September 2, 2025, Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, referring to him as an "old friend." This meeting comes at a time when both nations are facing challenges from the United States, although the nature of these challenges overlaps and diverges in various ways.
China and Russia have strengthened their relationship in recent years, especially following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Putin addressed Xi as a "dear friend" and emphasized that the ties between Moscow and Beijing are currently at an "unprecedentedly high level." Following their formal discussions, both leaders planned to continue their dialogue over tea with their top aides.
The meetings took place shortly after both leaders attended a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin, a city not far from Beijing. The summit was significant and set the stage for a grand military parade in Beijing, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which was set to take place the day after their discussions.
Historically, the Soviet Union had a complex role during World War II; while it remained neutral for much of the war in Asia, it did provide support to China in its struggle against Japanese forces in the 1930s. As the war came to a close, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and sent troops into northeastern China. Putin alluded to this historical alliance, stating, "We were always together then, we remain together now."
Despite claiming neutrality in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, China has provided substantial trade support to Russia, essentially countering Western sanctions imposed on Moscow. There are allegations that some Chinese companies have played a role in supporting the Russian military industry.
At the SCO summit, Xi and Putin were joined by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held separate discussions with both leaders during the event. The geopolitical shifts, particularly U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on India and the White House's critical stance toward New Delhi, have nudged India closer to China and Russia. However, it is worth noting that Modi did not attend the military parade in Beijing.
Before engaging in their primary talks, Putin and Xi had a trilateral meeting with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. Mongolia, situated between Russia and China, is rich in natural resources, including minerals. Putin remarked during the meeting that the three countries share a strong bond as good neighbors, highlighting their mutual interests in developing stronger ties.
Looking ahead, it was noted that Putin made an official visit to Mongolia in 2024, which drew attention as the Mongolian government faced pressure to arrest him based on an International Criminal Court warrant related to alleged war crimes stemming from the Ukraine invasion. The dynamics of the relationships among China, Russia, and Mongolia are crucial elements in understanding the geopolitical landscape in the region.
