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Xi and Putin in Beijing: Demonstration of Strategic Partnership and Unresolved “Power of Siberia 2”

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On May 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin on an official visit, during which the two sides signed dozens of cooperation documents and described bilateral relations as having entered a “new stage”.

The meeting took place just a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump visited China, which, according to international media assessments, allowed Beijing and Moscow to once again demonstrate a unified political stance toward the West. This reflects China’s strategy of maintaining strategic ties with Russia while simultaneously managing its relationship with Washington.

In a joint statement issued after the talks, China and Russia reaffirmed their support for a “multipolar world order”. According to official statements, the sides paid particular attention to strengthening cooperation in the fields of the economy, energy, technology, science, education, and media.

Xi Jinping described bilateral relations as being at a “historically highest level”, while Putin stated that China-Russia cooperation is developing steadily “under conditions of external pressure”. Both leaders criticized “unilateralism” and “hegemonic approaches” in international politics. This rhetoric has been frequently used by Beijing and Moscow in recent years when assessing Western, particularly U.S., policies.

International security issues were also discussed at the summit, including the war in Ukraine, the Middle East crisis, and growing competition in the Asia-Pacific region. China reiterated that conflicts should be resolved through “dialogue and political negotiations”.

One of the key topics of the meeting was energy cooperation. Russia is attempting to expand its lost positions in European markets toward China. In this context, the strategically important “Power of Siberia 2” project aims to transport 50 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually to China from the Yamal fields via Mongolia.

However, despite high expectations, the sides once again failed to reach a final agreement at the Beijing summit. According to the Kremlin, there is agreement on the “main aspects” of the project, but several details still need to be finalized. International media reports that disagreements relate to gas pricing, financing, and long-term contractual terms.

Western media note that relations between Beijing and Moscow are asymmetrical. After the war in Ukraine and amid Western sanctions and the loss of European markets, Russia’s economic dependence on China has significantly increased, giving Beijing additional leverage. China is taking advantage of this and seeks to secure Russian energy resources under the most favorable conditions. At the same time, China is trying to manage cooperation with Russia in a way that does not fully damage its own economic relations with the West.

This situation shows that despite strategic and political rapprochement, relations between Beijing and Moscow are still clearly based on pragmatic economic interests, where both sides seek to maximize protection of their own conditions.

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A new phase in US-China trade relations is underway

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Following the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing, the White House announced that China will purchase at least $17 billion worth of American agricultural products annually between 2026 and 2028.

The agreement covers a wide range of agricultural goods, including soybeans, beef, poultry products, and other agricultural commodities. This step is particularly important for American farmers, as US agricultural exports to China have sharply declined in recent years amid US-China trade tensions.

According to Reuters, US agricultural exports to China fell by 65.7% year-on-year in 2025, reaching only $8.4 billion. During the same period, China also significantly reduced its dependence on American soybeans, from 41% in 2016 to about 20% in 2024.

Agriculture was one of the key topics of the negotiations. According to Reuters, Washington sought stronger purchasing guarantees from Beijing, particularly regarding soybeans. The two sides are also planning to establish US-China trade and investment councils that will work on tariff reductions and market access issues.

The Financial Times reports that the new mechanisms are expected to cover so-called “non-sensitive” goods and investments. The plan also includes opening the Chinese market to American beef and the aviation sector.

The Trump administration describes the agreement as a step toward “stabilizing economic relations”. Despite optimistic statements, Beijing says the agreements have not yet been finalized. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated on May 16 that agreements related to tariffs, agriculture, and aviation are still “preliminary” and require further negotiations.

Despite ongoing crises surrounding Taiwan and the tech sector, the Beijing summit showed a willingness for mutual economic compromise. Washington and Beijing are attempting to rebuild ties in areas where interdependence is vital.

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Meeting of Trump and Xi Jinping Without Agreements: “Business First” Amid Deep Political Differences

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Following talks held in Beijing on 13-15 May, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping expressed readiness to stabilize relations and deepen economic cooperation, but the meeting ended without any concrete agreements.

The US-China summit was preceded by months of rising tensions. Despite diplomatic rhetoric, official statements showed that fundamental differences between Washington and Beijing remain unresolved.

At the talks in Beijing, the main focus was placed on economic relations between the two countries. The Chinese side described the process as a “dialogue based on mutual respect and stability”, while Trump stated that the US supports “strong economic relations with China”, although protecting American interests remains a priority.

Despite the optimistic public tone, the emphasis in the parties’ assessments differed. Chinese state media highlighted the importance of strengthening economic cooperation, while the US official statement indicated that the meeting primarily served to maintain dialogue.

This dissonance also became evident around Taiwan, which remains a sensitive issue between Washington and Beijing. China considers the island its own territory and is increasing military pressure in the region, while the US continues to support Taiwan’s security. During the summit, the Chinese side urged the White House to take a cautious approach on Taiwan-related issues, while the American side maintained a more ambiguous position.

Differences in views were also evident in discussions of the Iran crisis and Middle East security. Xi Jinping once again called on the parties to establish a ceasefire and ensure the security of maritime trade routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump’s position, meanwhile, remained focused on continuing pressure on Iran and reducing regional security risks.

One of the central topics of the summit was technological competition, particularly in semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). Washington justifies strict restrictions on Chinese companies on national security grounds, while Beijing views these measures as an attempt to hinder China’s technological development.

International media described the summit as “business-first”, where the parties, despite deep political disagreements, avoid a complete breakdown of economic ties. In reality, a full-scale crisis is not in either side’s interest at this stage, as China’s economy is experiencing stagnation, while the US is trying to stabilize inflation and supply chains. Analysts note that the meeting did not lead to any outcome that would fundamentally change US-China relations, as structural competition between the two countries remains deep and multifaceted.

Ultimately, the main outcome of the Beijing meeting, according to assessments, is the preservation of channels of dialogue and a mutual desire to avoid escalation. Despite official rhetoric about stability, global competition between the world’s two largest powers continues at an unchanged pace and is expected to remain the key defining factor in US-China relations in the near future.

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Trump-Xi Summit in Beijing: Key Agenda and Expectations

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U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are preparing to meet in Beijing this week. The official agenda includes trade tariffs, rare earth supply chains, artificial intelligence regulation, and global security issues, though Taiwan is expected to remain the central focus of the talks.

In recent years, Taiwan has become one of the most sensitive issues in U.S.-China relations. Beijing considers the island part of its territory and views “reunification” as a matter of national security and state sovereignty. Chinese officials increasingly describe the Taiwan issue as the “greatest risk” to worsening relations between the two powers.

The upcoming summit in Beijing is being closely watched in Taipei. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said Taiwan remains confident in the stability of its relations with the United States, but hopes the Trump-Xi meeting will not produce any “surprises”. According to him, any unexpected agreement could directly affect regional security.

Taipei’s concerns are not merely rhetorical. Taiwan’s security agencies believe Beijing may attempt to use economic leverage to soften Washington’s position on Taiwan. According to Reuters, China could try to link trade agreements or economic concessions to the Taiwan issue.

These concerns are also partly tied to Trump’s foreign policy style, which has often been characterized by a transactional approach.

At the same time, Taiwan is no longer only a geopolitical flashpoint. The island has become a major hub of global technology. Taiwanese companies play a critical role in global semiconductor supply chains, producing a large share of the chips used in smartphones, artificial intelligence systems, data centers, military technologies, and modern industrial equipment.

Washington has repeatedly stated that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged and that any forceful alteration of the regional status quo would be unacceptable. Meanwhile, China has intensified military and political pressure on Taiwan in recent years by expanding military drills, increasing air and naval activity around the island, and attempting to limit Taiwan’s international space.

Against this backdrop, the outcome of the Beijing summit could shape not only the future of U.S.-China relations but also the broader balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. That is why Taiwan remains at the center of strategic competition between the world’s two largest powers.

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Former Chinese defence ministers receive harshest sentence in corruption case

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Two former Chinese defence ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, have received the harshest sentence over a corruption scandal. Under a 7 May ruling by a Chinese military court, both senior officials were sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve.

In Chinese legal practice, a death sentence with a two-year reprieve is usually commuted to life imprisonment if the convicted person does not commit another crime during the reprieve period. However, according to Xinhua, in the cases of Wei and Li, even after the sentence is commuted to life imprisonment, no pardon or parole will be allowed. This means the former heads of China’s defence establishment will spend the rest of their lives behind bars. Both men were also stripped of their political rights for life, while their personal assets will be confiscated.

The court found Wei Fenghe guilty of accepting bribes, while his successor, Li Shangfu, was convicted of both accepting and offering bribes. Wei served as China’s defence minister from 2018 to 2023. Li, meanwhile, remained in office for only a few months before disappearing from public view in 2023 and later being removed from his post.

Although the post of defence minister in China is largely representative, while the Central Military Commission plays the leading role in military decision-making, the punishment of figures from the highest ranks of the military hierarchy sends a strong political message.

According to The Guardian, before becoming defence ministers, Wei and Li held strategic positions linked to major budgets and key military sectors. Wei previously headed China’s Rocket Force, while Li oversaw military equipment procurement. These areas are particularly sensitive for Beijing, as corruption in weapons systems and missile units directly undermines the army’s combat readiness and China’s broader military ambitions.

Western media assess that the process serves two goals for Xi Jinping. On the one hand, Beijing is seeking to eliminate the systemic corruption that poses a real threat to the modernization and combat potential of China’s military. On the other hand, it is a clear warning that absolute loyalty to the party and its leader is mandatory. The verdict shows that there are no longer any “untouchable” figures in China’s military system, including those once seen as close to the center of power.

With this decision, Beijing has shown that “betrayal of the country and corruption” in the People’s Liberation Army will be met with the harshest response.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Arrives in Beijing Amid Hormuz Crisis

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing on May 6. The meeting focused on the crisis surrounding Iran and the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. It took place one week before the planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing.

According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang stressed the need for an immediate and complete ceasefire. He said the resumption of conflict was unacceptable and that negotiations on the Iran issue should remain a priority. Wang urged the parties to respond to international calls as soon as possible and restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is particularly important for China, the world’s largest oil importer. The crisis surrounding Iran has created direct risks for Beijing’s energy security. Reuters assessed that before the war, China purchased more than 80% of Iran’s seaborne oil exports.

During the meeting, Araghchi briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments in negotiations between Iran and the United States. Iran’s ISNA news agency reported that, in Beijing, Araghchi described China as Iran’s close friend and strategic partner, and said cooperation between the two countries would deepen further under the current circumstances. He also said Tehran would defend its “legitimate rights and interests” in the negotiation process and would accept only a fair agreement.

Reuters reported that Washington is also increasing pressure on Beijing. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on China to use its diplomatic influence to push Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation. He said Trump and Xi would also discuss the issue during their planned meeting in Beijing on May 14-15.

Araghchi’s visit shows that Beijing is taking a more active diplomatic role in the Iran crisis. China is simultaneously trying to preserve its strategic partnership with Tehran, protect its own energy interests, and present itself as a mediator capable of helping reduce tensions in the region.

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The Strait of Hormuz issue will also be discussed at the Trump-Xi meeting

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on China to use its diplomatic influence and push Iran toward ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Bessent made the statement in a May 4 interview with Fox News.

According to Bessent, China has significant leverage over Iran because, as he said, Beijing buys 90% of Iran’s energy resources. “China needs to show more diplomatic activity and convince the Iranians to reopen the strait”, he said.

The U.S. Treasury Secretary also noted that the Strait of Hormuz issue will be discussed during the planned May 14-15 meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing. According to Bessent, Washington expects China to play a more active role in ensuring international maritime security.

China says that the safe and uninterrupted functioning of the Strait of Hormuz is in the common interest of regional states and the international community. At the same time, Beijing identifies U.S. and Israeli military actions as the “root cause” of the crisis and sees a ceasefire, de-escalation, and dialogue as the way forward.

Iran’s position is that the Strait of Hormuz is not closed and navigation has not been fully suspended. Tehran says it respects freedom of navigation, but links it to the protection of state security. According to Iran, the restrictions apply only to vessels associated with the United States, Israel, or parties connected to them, while other “non-hostile” ships can pass safely through the strait. Tehran holds the U.S. and Israel responsible for the threats that have emerged in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the key routes for global energy supplies. Rising tensions in the region have put pressure on oil prices, while Washington is seeking to involve Beijing in efforts to influence Iran. The issue has become one of the important topics in U.S.–China relations ahead of the expected meeting between Trump and Xi.

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Wang Yi Meets President of the UN General Assembly

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing with President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock. The meeting took place during Baerbock’s two-day visit to China, scheduled for April 29-30 at Wang’s invitation.

According to China Daily, Wang said during the meeting that amid growing global instability and conflicts, it is necessary to “support, revitalize and strengthen” the United Nations. He added that the international system must not allow the emergence of a “law of the jungle”, where power determines the rules.

In the same statement, Wang also referred to UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, saying that Beijing opposes steps that, in its view, undermine the authority of the resolution. Beijing uses the resolution as a diplomatic argument in relation to the Taiwan issue and the “One China” principle.

The European Union considers this interpretation of the resolution disputed. According to Brussels, Resolution 2758 only changed China’s representation at the United Nations and does not determine Taiwan’s status. The EU views the preservation of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait as a matter of strategic importance for regional and global security.

Baerbock, for her part, said that the UN’s 80 years of experience show that no country, including major powers, can address today’s global challenges on its own.

The meeting was preceded by Baerbock’s visit to India, where she spoke about the importance of upholding the UN Charter and international law. Anadolu reported that during a press conference in New Delhi, Baerbock said one of her main priorities is the protection of the UN Charter and international law, especially as crises around the world intensify.

The meeting is also noteworthy given that Baerbock, during her tenure as Germany’s foreign minister, was often critical of Beijing. According to Reuters, she accused China of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine and said Beijing’s conduct ran counter to Europe’s security interests.

In this context, the meeting between Baerbock and Wang should not be viewed merely as a protocol diplomatic engagement. It reflects Beijing’s effort to strengthen its role around the themes of the UN and multilateralism, while Baerbock’s agenda is linked to UN reform, the defense of international law, and improving the organization’s ability to respond effectively to global crises.

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Foreign Ministers of Australia and Belgium Begin Visits to China

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According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot will visit China from April 27 to May 1. The visit will take place at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the same period, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong will also visit China from April 28 to 30.

Beijing mentioned that Wong’s visit will include the eighth Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Wang Yi and Wong. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the two sides will discuss bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues of common interest.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reported that Wong’s visit to China is part of her regional tour, which also includes Japan and South Korea. Canberra said one of the main topics of the tour is energy security, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have caused disruptions in global energy markets.

Penny Wong said Australia supports a “stable and constructive relationship” with China, which, according to her, is in the interests of both countries. Australia’s official statement also emphasized that economic ties between the two countries are important for supply chains, investment, and employment in both economies.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot’s visit coincides with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium. According to Belga News Agency, his visit will include Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing. In China, Prévot will discuss bilateral relations, issues concerning Belgian companies operating in the Chinese market, fair competition, market access, and geopolitical challenges.

According to Prévot, China is an “indispensable partner” for Belgium, but the relationship must be “clear and balanced”. He said Belgium seeks fair conditions, real market access, and open dialogue with China. Alongside economic issues, the agenda of the visit also includes geopolitical topics, including the war in Ukraine, Iran, navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and human rights.

Against the backdrop of these two visits, Beijing is seeking to intensify foreign-policy dialogue at a time when China is trying to deepen economic cooperation with Western partners while also managing political disagreements. With Australia, the agenda focuses on strategic dialogue and energy security, while with Belgium it centers on trade balance, market access, and other geopolitical issues.

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China Steps Up Diplomatic Engagement Amid Iran Crisis

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Amid the ongoing Iran crisis, China is intensifying its diplomatic activity, stating that it will continue to support de-escalation and promote negotiations. According to Beijing, the immediate priority is to prevent further escalation in the region and preserve space for dialogue.

This position was reaffirmed during an April 15 briefing, in which Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun noted that China welcomes all efforts to end the conflict.

Within this framework, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that during a meeting on April 14 with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of peace in the Middle East and outlined four key principles for maintaining stability: peaceful coexistence, respect for national sovereignty, adherence to international law, and a balance between development and security.

According to The Wall Street Journal, on April 15, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which they discussed the regional situation and the progress of Iran-U.S. negotiations. Wang Yi described the situation as being at a “critical stage between war and peace” and noted that a “window of opportunity for peace is opening”. He also stressed China’s support for a ceasefire, continued negotiations, the protection of Iran’s sovereignty, and ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Amid the crisis, China continues its diplomatic engagement through both direct communication and coordination with international partners. Notably, on March 31, China and Pakistan introduced a joint five-point initiative calling for an immediate ceasefire, the launch of peace talks, and respect for the sovereignty of Iran and Gulf states.

China is acting with particular caution in this process: on the one hand, it seeks to maintain communication channels with Iran, while on the other, it avoids escalating tensions with Washington.

Reuters reports that Wang Yi has held about 30 phone calls and meetings on ceasefire efforts, while China’s special envoy has conducted diplomatic consultations in several Gulf and Arab capitals. The agency also notes that Beijing’s increased activity coincides with statements by Donald Trump about a possible meeting with Xi Jinping in May. However, China’s Foreign Ministry has only confirmed that communication between the sides on this issue is ongoing.

Author: Mariam Simsive

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