Are Xi and Putin still ‘best friends’? – The Latest
Xi Jinping recently welcomed Vladimir Putin to Beijing amid changing geopolitical dynamics. As Russia's reliance on China grows due to the war in Ukraine, the nature of their relationship is being scrutinized. The evolving power balance raises questions about the future of their alliance.
- ▪Xi Jinping hosted Vladimir Putin in Beijing shortly after meeting with Donald Trump.
- ▪Russia's war in Ukraine is increasing Moscow's dependence on China.
- ▪Western leaders are beginning to improve relations with Beijing.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Today in FocusChinaAre Xi and Putin still ‘best friends’? – The LatestMore ways to listenApple podcastsSpotifyRSS FeedDownloadPresented by Lucy Hough with Devika Bhat; produced by Bryony Moore; senior producer Ryan Ramgobin; lead producer Zoe HitchWed 20 May 2026 12.17 EDTShare00:00:0000:00:00Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin to Beijing with pomp and pageantry, just days after hosting Donald Trump. But as Russia’s war in Ukraine makes Moscow increasingly dependent on China, and western leaders thaw relations with Beijing, what does the power imbalance mean for Xi and Putin’s relationship? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s deputy head of international news, Devika Bhat Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/ReutersExplore more on these topicsChinaToday in FocusXi JinpingVladimir PutinRussiaAsia…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — World.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Guardian — World
