Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a joint condemnation of US foreign policy on Wednesday, warning of a drift back to the 'law of the jungle' during a summit in Beijing. The meeting followed a visit by US President Donald Trump to the Chinese capital.
The two leaders highlighted their close ties, with Xi describing the bilateral relationship as 'without limits'. They discussed cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and the protection of rare species, but failed to finalise a pipeline deal that would double Russian gas exports to China, with pricing cited as a key obstacle.
In their joint declaration, Xi and Putin criticised the US for undermining global stability, particularly through its 'golden dome' missile defence system and the lapse of a nuclear arms treaty. They warned of fragmentation and a return to the 'law of the jungle'.
Putin's visit followed a similar protocol to Trump's, with a military band and cheering children. The talks included a narrow-format meeting on sensitive issues, followed by a wider session. A signing ceremony covered technology, trade, and an extension of the China-Russia treaty of good neighbourliness.
Xi stated that relations were at the 'highest level of comprehensive strategic partnership' and called for opposition to 'all unilateral bullying'. Putin hailed the relationship as 'unprecedentedly high' and invited Xi to visit Russia next year. Xi is also scheduled to host Putin for tea in Zhongnanhai.
