Selfies and symbolism: behind the scenes from Xi’s summit with Trump and Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for a two-day state visit, highlighting strong trust and strategic cooperation between the two nations. The summit, occurring shortly after US President Donald Trump's visit, underscored China's ability to manage relations with major powers. Both countries expressed concerns about the US Golden Dome missile defense system, calling it a threat to stability. Energy cooperation was a key agenda item, with Putin pushing for a new deal. Experts suggest that China-Russia scientific and technological collaboration could counter US isolation and help normalize the international science community amidst geopolitical tensions. Putin stayed at the historic Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, a location he has frequented.

China recently hosted back-to-back state visits by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, with outwardly similar grand receptions. However, China subtly highlighted differences, welcoming Putin with a higher-ranking official than Trump, signaling Moscow as a trusted partner in a non-Western order. Russian officials downplayed comparisons, but state media portrayed Putin as an ally while Trump was seen as a rival. Both visits yielded modest concrete results, though Russia's economic struggles increase its reliance on China. Xi Jinping benefited from projecting himself as a global statesman, showcasing China's ability to engage with both rival powers and a dependent Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China for talks with President Xi Jinping, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of a treaty formalizing their ties. This meeting occurred shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing. Analysts suggest that the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy has pushed Russia and China closer together, especially amidst the war in Ukraine and global instability. China has become an economic lifeline for Russia, with bilateral trade significantly increasing, and Russia relies on China for technology and energy exports. The article highlights the deepening partnership between the two nations, driven by shared geopolitical challenges and a desire to advance global development.

The South China Morning Post highlights key moments from President Xi Jinping's summit meetings with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing in May. The article explores the personal rapport built between Xi and Putin through shared rituals, and the symbolic settings used for Xi's meetings with Trump, such as the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City. It also notes details like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio admiring a Beijing hall's ceiling, Putin's familiarity with the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, and the seating arrangement of Lens Technology chairwoman Zhou Qunfei between Apple's Tim Cook and Tesla's Elon Musk at a state banquet. The report also touches on public interest in Elon Musk's son's tiger-themed bag and a past encounter between Putin and a Chinese boy, as well as fascination with Trump's Air Force One.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing, following U.S. President Donald Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlights China's growing diplomatic leverage. Analysts suggest the lack of significant progress in U.S.-China talks emboldens Putin, as China appears committed to its relationship with Russia. For China, hosting these back-to-back visits is seen as a diplomatic maneuver to position itself as a central player. While no major breakthroughs are anticipated, the meeting is expected to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in energy and military technology. The article suggests Putin may seek increased military support from China, with analysts noting China holds considerable influence in the relationship. China is also positioning itself as a neutral mediator in a fragmented global order.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting China to meet with President Xi Jinping, reaffirming strong bilateral ties. The visit, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of a friendship treaty, will focus on economic cooperation and international issues. This meeting follows U.S. President Donald Trump's recent trip to Beijing, which aimed to stabilize U.S.-China relations. China seeks to maintain stable ties with the U.S. while preserving its strategic partnership with Russia, with analysts noting these are not mutually exclusive goals for Beijing. Russia's economic ties with China have strengthened, particularly in energy, with China being Russia's primary trade partner. Putin stated that Russia-China relations are at an "unprecedented level" and play a crucial global role.

The recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing was framed by both nations as a significant and historic occasion. The choice of venue, the secluded Zhongnanhai leadership compound rather than the usual Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, underscored this emphasis. Xi Jinping noted that few foreign leaders had been granted such access to Zhongnanhai, highlighting the unique nature of the summit. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcome, with Xi describing the summit as closely watched by the world and Trump calling it a great success with fantastic deals made. The careful choreography of the event, including walks in the compound's gardens, aimed to convey the importance of the interactions.

US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing concluded with a tour of Zhongnanhai, the heavily guarded compound where top Chinese leaders reside and work, led by President Xi Jinping. This event, part of a two-day trip characterized by ceremony rather than detailed policy agreements, followed tensions over trade and the Iran war. Both leaders adopted a conciliatory tone, with Trump describing his visit as "incredible" and Xi calling it a "new bilateral relationship." The tour of Zhongnanhai, a rare honor for foreign dignitaries, underscored the significance of the meeting, with Xi noting that few other leaders, such as Russia's Vladimir Putin, have been granted such access.

On the first day of Donald Trump's visit to Beijing for trade talks, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Trump agreed to characterize their relationship as "constructive, strategic and stable." Both leaders hailed the US-China bond as the world's most "consequential" during a state banquet. Xi emphasized the importance of making their relationship work, warning that failure would create a "very dangerous situation." Trump expressed personal respect for Xi, calling him "my friend" and inviting him for a return visit to the White House. Xi posed questions about joint efforts to address global challenges and inject stability into the world, framing their leadership as crucial for writing the "answer to our times."

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled for a one-day visit to Beijing next week, specifically on May 20th. This visit follows closely on the heels of a significant summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump. Sources indicate this trip is part of routine interactions between Russia and China, with no major public displays expected. The timing of hosting leaders from both global powers in the same month, outside of a multilateral event, highlights Beijing's strategy to navigate relationships with both nations and its role in a changing global landscape.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Beijing next week for a two-day trip to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The Kremlin announced the visit, scheduled for May 19-20, comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump's state visit to China. Putin's trip is timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship. The leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and key international and regional issues. This meeting highlights the deepening relationship between China and Russia, particularly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to Moscow's increased reliance on Beijing due to Western sanctions. Putin is also scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China in November.

President Donald Trump is traveling to Beijing for a state visit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, aiming to address trade issues and potentially sign deals for American food and aircraft. The meeting occurs amidst global concerns over war and inflation, which are impacting Trump's domestic popularity due to the ongoing conflict with Iran and rising energy prices. Trump intends to prioritize trade discussions, seeking to establish a "Board of Trade" to mitigate past trade war tensions. While the war in Iran and its economic consequences are significant domestic challenges, Trump stated that Iran would not be a primary topic of discussion with Xi. The visit highlights the complex relationship between the two global superpowers as they navigate international challenges.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with US President Donald Trump at Zhongnanhai in Beijing on Friday, the concluding day of Trump's visit. The leaders engaged in informal conversation during a stroll through the Chinese leaders' compound, with Xi highlighting the ancient trees and roses. Trump expressed surprise at the longevity of some trees, with Xi noting some were over a thousand years old. This meeting marked a significant interaction between the two heads of state during Trump's trip to China.

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday, marking the first full day of Trump's visit to China. The meeting was characterized by a projected close rapport, with handshakes, arm taps, and frequent asides observed between the two leaders. Attention was drawn to their personal dynamics, seen as an indicator of the broader diplomatic mood between the world's two largest economies. Trump had previously expressed expectations of a warm reception from Xi on social media. The encounter aimed to manage tensions and strengthen strategic stability between the United States and China.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on May 6, 2026, amid escalating US-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting highlights China's significant interest in the conflict, particularly concerning the disruption of global oil and gas flows. Wang Yi emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire and continued negotiations. The visit precedes a meeting between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the US has urged China to pressure Iran to ease its blockade of the strait. Both the US and China are experiencing economic impacts from the shipping disruptions, suggesting a shared interest in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Beijing, delayed by six weeks, faces a potential point of friction with Chinese President Xi Jinping: the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. While both nations desire the strait's reopening and an end to the conflict, their approaches differ significantly. The US, with its energy independence, may believe China is more susceptible to energy disruptions. Conversely, China might perceive prolonged instability as more detrimental to the US and its allies. This divergence in perspective on the Iran crisis could complicate discussions during the summit.

During talks in Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as possible." Wang also emphasized the urgent priority of achieving a lasting ceasefire in the ongoing conflict and expressed China's readiness to help de-escalate tensions. This meeting precedes an upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where the Iran conflict and the strait's reopening are expected to be discussed. China reiterated its call for both the US and Iran to engage in talks and acknowledged Iran's commitment to not developing nuclear weapons. The international community shares a concern for restoring secure navigation through the Strait, and China hopes relevant parties will address this call.

President Donald Trump is set to visit China for a summit with President Xi Jinping next week. This visit occurs amidst global energy supply disruptions and economic uncertainty caused by the Iran war, which have also strained US-China relations. Six months prior, when the summit was proposed, Trump was in a stronger political position than Xi. However, Trump now travels to Beijing facing political challenges and military overextension. Experts suggest these factors will influence the dynamics of the upcoming meeting between the two leaders.

President Donald Trump stated that China has not challenged the US regarding the Iran war, emphasizing his strong relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of their upcoming summit in Beijing on May 14-15. Trump suggested Xi would not challenge him due to their personal rapport. Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route now effectively closed due to the conflict, are expected to be discussed. Trump highlighted China's reliance on oil from the Strait of Hormuz and offered to redirect Chinese oil shipments to US ports like Texas and Louisiana. This meeting was rescheduled from its original March date following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will not introduce a gas export tax in the upcoming budget, primarily due to concerns about alienating key energy trading partners like Japan. Japan, which relies on Australia for approximately 40% of its LNG supply, views market interventions as a threat to the stability of these crucial energy imports. Australian gas exporters, some with Japanese government ties, have also warned that such a tax could jeopardize Australia's reputation as a reliable supplier. While Albanese is deferring the tax for now to avoid immediate backlash, the article suggests domestic pressures may eventually force his government to reconsider this stance.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the oil crisis stemming from shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, is having a significant impact on the Asia Pacific region. Takaichi made these remarks during a visit to Australia, where both nations signed agreements to enhance cooperation on energy supplies and critical minerals. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping route, normally carrying about one-fifth of global oil and LNG, with 80% of that oil destined for Asia. Both Japan and Australia are concerned about these disruptions and have pledged to work together with urgency to secure energy supplies. The visit also included discussions on defense and economic cooperation.