Russian President Vladimir Putin said relations between Russia and China have reached what he described as an unprecedented level after holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 20, 2026.
Speaking after the meeting, Putin said the partnership between Moscow and Beijing is no longer shaped by temporary global conditions, but has become stable, self-sustaining and strategically important.
Leaders Hold Talks In Beijing
Putin said the discussions with Xi took place in a warm and constructive atmosphere, with both sides reviewing major areas of cooperation.
Following the talks, Russia and China adopted a joint statement setting out priority areas for future collaboration. Around 40 intergovernmental, interagency and corporate documents were also signed.
Trade Reaches Nearly $240 Billion
Putin said China and Russia remain major trade partners, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $240 billion in 2025.
He said the trade relationship is becoming more diverse, including a growing share of high-value goods.
Ruble And Yuan Payments Expand
A major focus of the partnership has been the shift away from foreign currencies in bilateral trade.
Putin said nearly all export and import operations between Russia and China are now carried out in rubles and yuan, creating what he described as a trade system protected from outside pressure and instability in global markets.
Transport Corridors Receive New Attention
Russia is also expanding transport infrastructure to support trade with China and wider Eurasian connectivity.
Putin pointed to modernization work on eastern rail routes, including the Trans-Siberian Railway and Baikal-Amur Mainline. He also highlighted the Northern Sea Route as part of the wider Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor.
Education And Culture Projects Announced
After completing cross Years of Culture, Russia and China are preparing new humanitarian initiatives.
One of the main projects is the Russia-China Year of Education, expected to include conferences, seminars, concerts, exhibitions, master classes, academic contests and other events.
Moscow And Beijing Align On Global Affairs
Putin said he and Xi also discussed major international issues and adopted a joint declaration reflecting what he called the convergence of their foreign policy positions.
He said both countries support independent foreign policies, close strategic coordination and a stabilising role in world affairs.
Cooperation Extends To Global Institutions
Russia and China plan to continue working together in major multilateral formats, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS, the G20, the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank, the IMF and the New Development Bank.
Putin also said Russia supports China’s APEC presidency and expects the Shenzhen summit to be productive.
Greater Eurasian Partnership Remains A Goal
Putin said Moscow and Beijing intend to support closer alignment between the Eurasian Economic Union and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The long-term aim, according to the Russian leader, is to help build a broader Greater Eurasian Partnership linking regional trade, infrastructure and political cooperation.
Impact and Consequences
The talks underline the deepening strategic partnership between Russia and China at a time of growing geopolitical tension with the West.
Expanded trade in national currencies could further reduce both countries’ dependence on Western financial systems, while new transport corridors may strengthen Russia’s role as a land and Arctic transit route for Asian trade.
The agreements also show that Moscow and Beijing are seeking closer coordination not only in economics, but also in diplomacy, education, culture and global governance.
What’s next?
Russia and China are expected to move forward with the roughly 40 agreements signed after the Beijing talks.
Both countries will also continue preparing joint education events, expanding national-currency trade, coordinating in global institutions and developing transport links tied to Eurasian integration.
Summary
Putin said Russia-China relations have reached a historic level after talks with Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The two sides signed around 40 documents, highlighted nearly $240 billion in 2025 trade, promoted ruble-yuan settlements, and pledged closer cooperation in global institutions and Eurasian infrastructure projects.
Bulleted Takeaways:
- Putin spoke after Russia-China talks in Beijing on May 20, 2026.
- He said relations between the two countries have reached an unprecedented level.
- Russia and China signed around 40 cooperation documents.
- Bilateral trade reached nearly $240 billion in 2025.
- Most trade operations are now conducted in rubles and yuan.
- Russia is expanding rail and Arctic transport routes.
- Moscow and Beijing plan closer coordination in BRICS, SCO, G20, APEC and other institutions.
- The two countries aim to align the EAEU and Belt and Road Initiative under a wider Eurasian partnership.
