Russian President Vladimir Putin received a ceremonial welcome in Beijing on May 20, 2026, identical in formality to that given to U.S. President Donald Trump a week earlier. Despite expectations of a modest reception, China rolled out a red carpet and fired a 21-gun salute for Putin. Children waved Russian and Chinese flags while chanting greetings. The only difference from Trump’s visit was the welcoming official: Vice President Han Zheng greeted Trump, while Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed Putin.

Following the arrival, Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People. Xi remarked that in an increasingly chaotic and dominance-driven world, China and Russia had deepened their political trust and strategic cooperation. He also called for a fairer and more rational global governance system.

Xi’s comments underscored Beijing and Moscow’s strong mutual confidence, contrasting with the lack of such trust between China and the United States, and reflected China’s advocacy for a multipolar world with reduced U.S. influence.