BEIJING, China: A week after President Xi Jinping hosted Trump in Beijing, China and Russia, at a summit on May 20, condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans for a Golden Dome missile defense shield and Washington’s “irresponsible” nuclear policy. A joint statement after Xi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin showed that while Xi wants stable and positive ties with Donald Trump, he strongly disagrees with him on major issues and often sides with Russia. The statement warned that Trump’s plan for a missile defense
system on land and in space could harm global security. It also criticized the U.S. for letting a treaty that limited U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons expire. The treaty ended in February, and Trump did not respond to Russia’s offer to extend it for one year. Some U.S. politicians opposed the extension, saying it could limit America’s ability to respond to China’s growing nuclear power. Even though Xi and Putin agreed on many global security issues, they did not reach a deal on a new
gas pipeline that Russia wants, which would greatly increase gas sales to China. Xi’s meetings with both Trump and Putin in the same week showed China’s effort to present itself as a stable and important global power. With Trump dealing with tensions with Iran and Putin’s war in Ukraine, Xi appeared to be in a stronger position. Experts say Xi has been able to focus on strengthening China while showing confidence on the world stage. Xi and Putin, who have met more than 40 times,
again highlighted their close relationship, which was strengthened in 2022 with a strategic partnership agreement just before Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia has been pushing for more energy deals with China, its biggest oil buyer. Russian officials said China is interested in long-term oil supplies, which have already increased. Plans for a major new gas pipeline were discussed earlier, but China has said little about it publicly, and key issues such as pricing remain unsettled. Talks could take years. Experts say Russia needs the deal more
urgently after losing much of its European gas market, while China is in no rush and wants to keep its options open. During the visit to Beijing, Xi welcomed Putin with a formal ceremony. They later shared a meal and tea before Putin left.
Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Trump, Golden Dome, missile defense, nuclear policy, nuclear treaty expired February, gas pipeline, energy deals, Beijing summit