Tightening Xi–Putin Ties Aim to Undermine US Interests, Analysts Warn

The Russian leader’s trip to China is the second in less than a year, adding to the more than 40 encounters the pair have held.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Chinese leader Xi Jinping inspect an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony in Beijing on May 20, 2026. Maxim Shemetov/Pool Photo via AP

The China–Russia summit signals that ties between the two sides remain “structurally solid,” a bond that experts warn is being utilized to undermine the United States militarily, politically, and economically.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 20 with full ceremonial honors and a 21-gun salute.