Beijing: The Xi-Putin-Trump summit week put China at the centre of global diplomacy as President Xi Jinping hosted Vladimir Putin days after welcoming Donald Trump.
Putin received a state welcome outside the Great Hall of the People. The ceremony echoed Trump’s visit, with children, an honour guard, cannon fire and a marching band.
Putin has visited China more than 20 times. However, the Ukraine war and Western sanctions have made Russia more dependent on Beijing.
China is now Russia’s top trading partner and biggest buyer of its oil and gas. The talks produced more than 20 trade and technology agreements.
Still, Beijing did not approve the stalled Russian gas pipeline that Putin has pushed for years. The joint statement also produced no major breakthrough.
Analyst Samir Puri of King’s College London said global affairs now look less centred on the West. He said China uses its stature gradually rather than directly.
Read: Power of Siberia 2 Talks Loom Over Putin China Visit
Xi also had leverage in talks with Trump. China’s trade ties, rare-earth dominance, and manufacturing strength gave Beijing a stronger hand.
Xi mentioned the Middle East conflict during talks with Putin but did not publicly refer to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Silence may raise questions in Europe.
The Xi-Putin-Trump summit diplomacy showed China’s reach but also its limits. Beijing wants stronger European trade ties while keeping Russia as a key strategic partner.
