Chinese leader met with Russian foreign minister in Beijing; countries strengthen energy alliance and coordinate Putin’s visit
The President of China, (Communist Party of China), met this Wednesday (April 15, 2026) with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergey Lavrov, in Beijing. During the meeting, the Chinese leader declared that it is necessary to strengthen relations between the 2 countries so that both are able to defend their interests in a world that is in conflict and transformation. Xi said the stability of this relationship is increasingly valuable.
The Russian Foreign Minister’s visit to Beijing was a request from the Chinese government. In addition to Xi, Lavrov also met with the Chinese foreign minister, . The conversation between the pairs covered a series of topics, in particular the main sources of tension in the world such as the war in Iran, Ukraine and the militarization of Japan. According to Chinese state media, both committed to maintaining constant communication on these topics and prioritizing the interests of the so-called.
The Global South is not a geographic region, but a geopolitical concept. It refers to what in the past was referred to as “Third World”, “developing countries” or “emerging”. In general, the term is used by countries whose governments are grouped in opposition to part of the policies of the United States and Western Europe.
Another topic discussed by Lavrov during his visit to the Chinese capital was Russia’s energy supply to China. While Middle East peace talks between the United States and Iran make no headway and the blockade of Hormuz remains in effect, the Chinese have turned to the Russians to ensure their energy security.
Speaking to journalists in Beijing, Lavrov said Russia is prepared to increase the flow of energy resources to China while the Persian Gulf route remains blocked.
China has one of its main sources of oil and gas in the Middle East. Russia is another of China’s major partners in the energy sector and, according to Lavrov, can compensate for the losses caused by the war in Iran.
“Russia can, of course, compensate for the resource shortages faced by both China and other countries interested in working with us on equal terms and mutual benefit”disse Lavrov.
In addition to China, another country targeting Russian energy resources in the face of the crisis in Hormuz is Indonesia. According to the Russian newspaper, the countries signed a commitment in which Indonesia undertakes to buy oil and LNG (liquefied natural gas) of Russian origin. The Southeast Asian country depends on the Middle East to meet around 25% of its oil and gas demand.
PUTIN’S VISIT TO CHINA
Lavrov also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin (independent) will visit China in the first half of this year. The meeting should be in May, after the visit of the North American president, (Republican Party), to Beijing. Trump’s departure was scheduled for the end of March, but was postponed because of the war against Iran and rescheduled for the first half of May.
Putin and Xi are expected to meet at least twice this year. The other meeting should be held in November, during the Apec (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in China, in Shenzhen.
