Overview

• Meeting Russia’s Duma chairman Vyacheslav Volodin in Beijing, Xi Jinping said China and Russia should safeguard their security and development interests and deepen strategic mutual trust.
• Xi called for uniting countries in the Global South, upholding multilateralism and promoting a more equitable international order, describing the relationship as a source of stability for world peace.
• Vladimir Putin is expected in China this weekend to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1 and World War II commemorations in Beijing.
• Putin is reported to be the principal foreign guest of honour at a Beijing military parade next week, with Volodin’s visit serving as a prelude to the broader diplomatic program.
• The backdrop includes U.S. pressure as President Donald Trump threatened potential massive sanctions on Russia and warned China over rare earth magnets, while Indian exporters brace for an additional 25% U.S. tariff linked to Russian oil purchases.