Xi welcomes Putin to China days after Trump visit

https://i.cbc.ca/ais/63a56f30-f4cb-4eac-a52a-05c169ab5950,1779255014264/full/max/0/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C94%2C3771%2C2121%29%3BResize%3D%28620%29" title="Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China May 20, 2026.

Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY." width="620" />

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his close ties with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and said their countries are partners in trade and international affairs as they opened bilateral talks Wednesday on his trip to Beijing.