By Andrew Kariuki

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected in Beijing on Tuesday for high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a meeting expected to further strengthen the growing alliance between Moscow and Beijing.

The visit comes only days after former United States President Donald Trump held meetings in China, placing renewed international focus on the shifting global power balance involving China, Russia and the West.

Chinese officials say the upcoming trip will mark Putin’s 25th visit to China, highlighting the increasingly close relationship between the two nations whose economic and strategic ties have expanded sharply in recent years.

Ahead of the summit, Putin stated that he was “confident” Russia and China would continue deepening their partnership, while Beijing has repeatedly described relations between the two countries as “ironclad.”

Analysts believe the timing of the meeting is highly significant following Trump’s recent talks with Xi which reportedly touched on trade relations, the war in Ukraine and tensions involving Iran.

Experts also suggest Xi could brief Putin on the outcome of discussions held with Trump as Beijing and Moscow continue coordinating closely on major international issues.

Despite the strengthening ties, analysts note that the relationship remains economically uneven, with China maintaining significantly greater financial and economic influence than Russia.

Trade between the two countries has grown rapidly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, especially after Moscow faced sweeping Western sanctions that pushed it closer to Beijing economically.

China has since become one of Russia’s most important economic partners, particularly in oil and gas exports, while Russia continues supplying large amounts of energy to the Chinese market.

The leaders are also expected to discuss the proposed “Power of Siberia 2” gas pipeline project that would transport Russian natural gas to China through Mongolia.

The project has gained further importance amid ongoing Middle East tensions and disruptions involving the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key oil shipping routes.

The Ukraine war is also expected to feature prominently during the discussions, although experts believe China is unlikely to directly lead any final peace settlement despite repeatedly calling for negotiations.

China continues to position itself as neutral in the conflict while maintaining strong diplomatic and economic relations with Moscow.