Xi Jinping Raises Ceasefire Appeal As Putin Holds Talks In China
Xi urges Middle East ceasefire during Putin talks in Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, warning against the resumption of military operations, as he began high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday. The meeting comes amid heightened global tensions following the ongoing conflict involving Iran and shifting geopolitical dynamics influenced by recent US actions.
Opening discussions at the Great Hall of the People, Xi stressed that “a comprehensive ceasefire is imperative,” adding that restarting war is “even more unacceptable” and that negotiations must be prioritised. His remarks reflected China’s growing concern over instability in the Middle East, particularly as regional conflict threatens global energy flows and maritime trade routes.
The talks took place against the backdrop of escalating rhetoric from US President Donald Trump, who has reportedly considered renewed military strikes on Iran in response to the broader conflict involving US and Israeli operations. Xi and Putin, both key diplomatic supporters of Tehran, used the meeting to emphasise coordination on international issues and reinforce their strategic partnership.
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Putin, in his opening remarks, described Russia-China relations as being at an “unprecedented high level” and called Xi a “dear friend.” He said Moscow remains a reliable energy supplier to China and stressed that close cooperation between the two countries is especially important amid global instability. The leaders also discussed expanding economic and energy cooperation, including long-term infrastructure projects such as the proposed “Power of Siberia 2” gas pipeline.
The summit highlights the deepening alignment between Moscow and Beijing, particularly as Russia continues to face Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine and increased economic reliance on Chinese markets. Analysts say Russia is seeking stronger economic backing from China, while Beijing balances its strategic partnership with Moscow against its broader global economic interests.
Officials from both sides are expected to sign dozens of agreements covering energy, technology, agriculture, and space cooperation, underscoring the breadth of the partnership. However, despite public displays of unity, experts note that China and Russia’s priorities may diverge on issues such as Middle East stability and global energy security, even as both governments continue to advocate for a “multipolar world order” challenging Western influence.
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