Trump’s Loss, Putin’s Gain: Strengthening the China-Russia Strategic Alliance

President Xi Jinping emphasized the “unyielding” relationship between China and Russia during discussions with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. The meeting, which took place shortly after Donald Trump’s visit to China, aimed to reinforce the China-Russia strategic alliance.

In contrast to Trump’s grand reception last week, which yielded no significant outcomes, including assistance with reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Putin’s visit is expected to be closely examined for concrete results. The Russian leader faces challenges due to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, which has led to Western sanctions that have diminished energy revenues and increased Russia’s reliance on China, the primary purchaser of Russian oil.

Oil: A Focal Point of Middle East Tensions

The ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran has disrupted crude and gas supplies, creating an opportunity for Putin to present Russian energy resources as an alternative. Analysts suggest that Putin may leverage this visit to advocate for advancements on the significant “Power of Siberia 2” natural gas pipeline, which would transport gas from Russia to China via Mongolia, providing a land-based alternative to oil transported by sea from the Middle East.

During the initial discussions at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, both leaders praised their nations’ unique relationship while renewing their treaty of “friendly cooperation.” Xi stated that Beijing and Moscow have “continuously deepened our political mutual trust and strategic coordination with a resilience that remains unyielding.” Putin echoed this sentiment, declaring that their relations have reached an “unprecedentedly high level,” despite unspecified “unfavorable external factors.”

Xi also cautioned against “unilateral and hegemonic countercurrents running rampant,” a clear reference to the United States.

Old Friend

Xi has welcomed numerous world leaders as the unpredictable U.S. under Trump has prompted many to strengthen ties with Beijing. The ongoing conflict in Iran has further accelerated this trend. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the ties between China and Russia have deepened, with Putin visiting Beijing annually as his country faces isolation from Western nations.

Putin’s current visit is expected to be less extravagant than Trump’s, highlighting that “the Xi-Putin relationship does not require that kind of performative reassurance,” according to Patricia Kim from the Brookings Institution. Xi referred to Putin as an “old friend” during his last visit to Beijing in September 2025, a sentiment not extended to Trump during his recent trip.

Both leaders perceive their relationship as “structurally stronger and more stable” than that between China and the United States. While Beijing has consistently called for negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict, it has refrained from condemning Russia’s military actions, positioning itself as a neutral party. However, as Russia depends on energy sales to China to support its military efforts, it is crucial for Putin to maintain this support.

Middle East Priorities

In the context of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, China and Russia appear to have differing priorities. Russia has sought to capitalize on the energy crisis and soaring oil prices resulting from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Following a meeting with Xi in April, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia could “compensate” for China’s energy shortages as the Middle Eastern conflict disrupts global supplies.

Conversely, China is eager for a swift resolution to the Middle East conflict. Xi underscored in discussions with Putin that further hostilities in the region are “inadvisable,” asserting that a “comprehensive ceasefire is of utmost urgency.” James Char from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University noted that China relies on the freedom of major waterways for its economic activities and prefers an end to the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz sooner rather than later.

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Published on 2026-05-20 19:14:00 • By the Editorial Desk