Anonymous1 day ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on May 19, 2026, for a two-day summit with Xi Jinping, seeking to reinforce a partnership strained by growing asymmetry, falling bilateral trade, and stalled energy negotiations. While the two sides prepared to sign approximately 40 agreements and issue a joint statement, the visit exposed how Russia's wartime isolation has accelerated its transformation from strategic partner to junior economic dependent — even as structural incentives keep the two powers aligned against the Western-led order.