Xi Jinping prepares to welcome Vladimir Putin to China, four days after hosting Donald Trump

<p>China’s deep relationship with Russia remains a continuing cause for concern in the west, particularly since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine</p><p>Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin exchanged “congratulatory letters” on Sunday ahead of the Russian president’s visit to Beijing this week, four days since Donald Trump left China after a high-stakes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/16/donald-trump-xi-jinping-summit-china">summit</a>.</p><p>Xi, China’s leader, said bilateral cooperation between Russia and China had “continuously deepened and solidified”, with this year marking the 30th anniversary of the two countries’ strategic partnership, according to Chinese state media.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/18/xi-jinping-vladimir-putin-china-russia-four-days-after-donald-trump-us-visit">Continue reading...</a>