Putin and Xi Jinping to discuss gas pipeline linking Russia to China

According to Al Jazeera, on Thursday, 20 May 2026, the main agenda of the meeting between Putin and Xi is energy security. Putin is expected to discuss Power of Siberia 2, a gas pipeline that would connect the two countries. The project has reportedly stalled due to price disputes and China’s reluctance to become too dependent on a single country for its energy. China is known to have imported large amounts of oil and gas from Russia. However, Putin hopes that the war in Iran and the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz will change that. They are also expected to discuss regional security, turmoil in the Middle East, and in Ukraine, with Xi briefing Putin on what he has discussed with Trump. China regards Russia as an important strategic partner and a counterweight to Washington. Like Beijing, Moscow wants to see a more multipolar world in which the United States has less power. Russia has also consistently supported China on many geopolitical fronts, including Taiwan. Putin was reported to have arrived at Beijing’s airport at 23:15 local time. According to AFP, Putin’s arrival was greeted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a performance by a military band. In a video statement released ahead of his visit to China, Putin explained the importance of his visit this time. “I am very pleased to visit Beijing once again at the invitation of a long-time trusted friend, President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping,” he said. “Regular reciprocal visits and high-level Russia-China talks are an important and integral part of our joint efforts to promote the entire spectrum of relations between our two countries and to unlock their limitless potential,” Putin said.