Xi and Putin meet to reaffirm China-Russia ties days after Trump's visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping inspect an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Maxim Shemetov/Pool Reuters hide caption toggle caption Maxim Shemetov/Pool Reuters BEIJING — Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday in a meeting meant to reaffirm ties and that takes place only days after a visit by U.S. …