Russian government informs that leaders will also discuss “important and sensitive issues” in a restricted meeting
China and Russia are expected to sign 40 bilateral agreements, including commitments to deepen cooperation in the energy sector and a joint declaration on promoting a “multipolar world” e “a new type of international relations”. The announcement was made by the Russian government’s foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushankov, on Monday (May 18, 2026).
In addition to the agreements, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, will have a closed-door meeting with the Chinese leader, (Communist Party of China), to discuss “most important and sensitive issues in bilateral relations”. Only 4 members from each country will participate in this meeting. The Kremlin leader arrives in Beijing this Tuesday (May 19) and will return to Moscow on Wednesday (May 20).
The volume of agreements contrasts with the visit of the president of the United States, (Republican Party), to Beijing last week. After several meetings with Xi and a robust delegation of North American businesspeople, the .
Unlike the China-US relationship, which is shrouded in palpable rivalry, diplomacy between Beijing and Moscow is experiencing its best moment. Before departing for Beijing, Putin said in a video that relations between the countries had reached a “unprecedented level” and called Xi “a good long-time friend”.
Putin’s trip takes place against the backdrop of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good Neighborhood and Friendly Cooperation.
Speaking to journalists, Ushankov rejected that the Russian leader’s trip to Beijing was related to Trump’s trip. He said the date had been agreed upon since February. Contrary to this statement, the Kremlin itself reported that the proximity of the trips would be a good opportunity for Putin to discuss what was discussed between Trump and Xi.
In addition to international issues, 2 subjects should be highlighted at the meeting. The 1st is to transport natural gas from fields in Siberia to northern China. The countries signed a memorandum on the project together with Mongolia in September last year and must take steps forward to make the more than 2,500 km project viable.
The 2nd is an agreement for greater economic integration, especially in payment models. In their trade relations, countries use their local currencies (ruble and yuan) in virtually all transactions, and there must be a plan to facilitate these transfers. The governor of the Central Bank of Russia, Elvira Nabiullina, is part of Putin’s entourage to China.
