Ankur Shah
Editor, BBC Global China Unit

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

The relationship between China and Russia is highly uneven, and any deals struck between the two countries will likely be on Chinese terms, says Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center think tank.

"Russia is fully in China's pocket, and China can dictate the terms."

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has become increasingly dependent on Chinese components for its war machine. Years of Western sanctions have also gradually pushed Moscow deeper into trade engagement with Beijing.

China is Russia's largest trading partner, while Russia makes up just 4% of China's international trade.

Moscow has few viable alternatives to Beijing, a buyer that offers a scale of demand and market integral to Russia's survival.

Were China to lower its trade with Russia, considering the breakdown of relations with the West, it would significantly complicate Russia's foreign policy objectives.

Image source, Getty Images

Beijing has had a very packed diplomatic schedule in the last few months.

Apart from Putin and Trump, leaders from around the world have accepted invitations to China, while Xi and his officials have conducted far fewer state visits overseas.

Among the state leaders who have descended on the Chinese capital were British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canada's Mark Carney, both of whom were seeking a thaw in strained bilateral ties.

Beijing has also welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Vietnamese President To Lam, among others.

A balancing act with the Westpublished at 03:24 BST

03:24 BST

Laura Bicker
China correspondent

President Xi wants to appear close to his neighbour and ally - but not too close as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put him in an awkward position.

China has refused to condemn Putin’s actions, while also trying to maintain ties with a West watching warily as the two stand side-by side.

Russia launched its full scale invasion in February 2022, just weeks after Putin declared a “no limits” partnership with China.

Economic ties between the two since the war have deepened and bilateral trade has now soared to record highs. China has also been accused of providing Russia with components it could use in the war.

In short, China could be providing Moscow with an economic lifeline.

Beijing will not want a destabilising war in Europe, Xi will want stability. But he will also not want to see Putin’s regime collapse.

And that is a tricky balancing act for Beijing to perform.

Authorities on both sides have not announced specific topics of discussion during the Xi-Putin meeting. But here are some of the key issues that may feature in the talks:

Trade relations between the two countries have deepened amid years of western sanctions on Russia. A key area of bilateral trade is Russia's massive energy supplies, including oil and gas.

The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, which could finally be built after years of stalled negotiations, would deliver an annual 50 billion cubic metres of Russian gas to China - offering a boost to China's energy security, especially with the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

The war in Ukraine, which is still grinding on, is also likely to feature in the discussions. Russia reportedly relies on Chinese exports - such as dual-use items and drone components - to sustain its military campaign in Ukraine.

China holds the official stance of neutrality in the war, calling for peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue. But it has also criticised Western sanctions against Russia, claiming they are "illegal and unjustified".

Putin touched down in Beijing on Tuesday night, where he was welcomed by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and a military band.

This is the Russian president's 25th official visit to China. Here are some pictures of what went down at the airport last night.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Getty Images

Putin, who arrived in Beijing late on Tuesday, has a packed schedule for his short two-day visit.

After being greeted by a grand ceremony in Beijing's central square, this is what is on his schedule.

• Bilateral talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and a wider delegation - followed by a ceremony where they sign documents
• A joint statement on "further strengthening strategic co-operation"
• Meeting a Chinese engineer that he had met as a child
• Meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang
• Attending a photo exhibition with Xi on Russia-Chinese ties
• An evening reception
• And lastly, a conversation with Xi over tea

Are Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin best friends, or is it just politics?

Our China correspondent Laura Bicker and Russia editor Steve Rosenberg take a closer look at the duo, who have met more than 40 times - and the balance of power in their relationship.

Image source, TASS

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Beijing for a state visit, where he is set to hold bilteral talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later on Wednesday.

Putin, who landed in the Chinese capital late on Tuesday, is expected to discuss "important and sensitive issues" between the Russia and China, according to the Kremlin.

Putin's trip - his first abroad in 2026 - comes days after US President Donald Trump's high-stakes visit to China, where he and Xi discussed a range of issues from the Iran war to trade.

China's foreign ministry says Putin's visit is meant to deepen bilateral ties and "inject greater stability and positive energy into the world".

Stay with us as we bring you the latest updates from the ground.