China-Russia Talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have held talks in Beijing, with Xi calling for an end to hostilities in the Middle East and Putin hailing the 'strong, positive' momentum in cooperation between Russia and China. The meeting comes just days after US President Donald Trump's visit to China, and is seen as a key moment in the delicate balancing act facing China as it works to maintain stable ties with Washington while strengthening its strategic partnership with Moscow. The two leaders are expected to discuss expanding economic cooperation, alongside key international and regional issues, and will sign some 40 different agreements covering everything from the economy and tourism to education. The talks are taking place against a backdrop of rising global tensions and shifting geopolitical alliances, with China becoming one of Russia's most important economic lifelines since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Beijing has said it is neutral in the conflict while maintaining trade ties with the Kremlin despite economic and financial sanctions by the US and Europe. China is the top customer for Russian oil and gas supplies, and Moscow expects the war in Iran to increase the demand. The meeting between Xi and Putin is seen as a crucial moment in the development of China-Russia relations, with the two leaders seeking to deepen their strategic partnership and cooperate on key issues such as energy and security. The talks are also being closely watched by Western capitals and Ukraine, as concerns grow over the expanding partnership between the two nuclear powers.