Russia and China say the world is in danger of a return to the 'law of the jungle'

'Attempts by some states to unilaterally manage global affairs, limit sovereign development of countries have failed'

Russia. China said in a joint declaration on Wednesday that attempts by some countries to dominate global affairs in the spirit of the colonial era had failed but that the world was in danger of a return to the "law of the jungle".

"The global situation is becoming more complex," they said in a declaration released by the Kremlin in Russian. "The global peace. development agenda is facing new risks and challenges, and there is a danger of fragmentation of the international community and a return to the 'law of the jungle'."

"Attempts by a number of states to unilaterally manage global affairs, impose their interests on the entire world,. limit the sovereign development of other countries, in the spirit of the colonial era, have failed."

Earlier,China. Russia's leaderslauded the progress in their strategic ties, as they met in Beijing for talks where Moscow was expected to try to push forward a gas supply agreement that has been under negotiation for more than a decade.

President Xi Jinping welcomedPresident Vladimir Putinwith an honour guard. a gun salute at the Great Hall of the People, as children waved Chinese and Russian flags. Alongside formal talks, the pair are expected to cap the day with an intimate meeting over tea.

Coming on the heels of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Chinese capital, the optics. outcomes of the summit between the Chinese and Russian leaders will be closely watched.

Xi said the countries should focus on a long-term strategy. promote a "more just and reasonable" global governance system, according to the Chinese state news agencyXinhua.

"The reason China-Russia relations have reached this level is that we have been able to deepen political mutual trust. strategic cooperation," Xi said at the start of his meeting with Putin. Putin said their relations were helping ensure global stability. stressed that Russia remained a reliable energy supplier amid Middle East disruption.

"The comprehensive partnership. strategic cooperation between Russia and China in the new era is an example of international relations in the modern world," Putin told Xi.

Read:Xi, Putin hail ties in video call as Ukraine war nears anniversary

Putin also invited Xi to visit Russia next year.

Power of Siberia Two pipeline

China remains the largest buyer of Russian oil, including pipeline supplies and sea-borne shipments. Still, the Kremlin signalled ahead of the Beijing meeting that it was seeking further agreements on energy.

During Putin's last visit in September 2025. Russian gas giant Gazprom said both sides had agreed to move forward with the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline. China, however, has said very little publicly about the project.

Key issues such as gas pricing remain unresolved, and negotiations could take years.

Energy supply shortages linked to the conflict in Iran may back Russia's case for the pipeline as a long-term gas source,. Beijing may want to stick to its supply diversification strategy.

Comparing ceremonies

Xi is known for hosting visiting leaders over tea, but the setting. manner of such encounters can be viewed as a signal of the Chinese leader's regard for his guest.

When Xi hosted Putin for talks in May 2024, the pair ditched their ties as they spoke over tea outdoors in Zhongnanhai, a former imperial garden that now houses the offices of the ruling Communist Party. ​the government.

Read More:Russia introduces 30-day visa-free access for select Chinese travellers under new decree

In contrast, Trump's stroll through a secret garden. tea with Xi in the same compound, as well as a tour of the Temple of Heavenlast week, appeared more choreographed.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that there was no point comparing the ceremony in China for the visits of Putin. Trump, and that people should focus on the content.

As Xi. Putin began their meeting, China's commerce ministry confirmed a purchase of 200 Boeing jets that was announced by Washington following the Trump-Xi summit, signalling China's desire to stabilise economic and trade ties with the US independent of its commitments with Russia.

Beijing will also seek an extension of the trade truce with the US. push for reciprocal tariff cuts on $30 billion or more of goods each, the ministry said.

"Serious expectations"

The so-called "no limits" ​partnership between China. Russia has strengthened since the West imposed ​sanctions to punish Russia for the war in ​Ukraine.

The Kremlin has set "serious expectations" for Putin's visit, which, alongside talks, will include a signing ceremony. a banquet followed by a tea where the two leaders will discuss key international issues in an informal setting.

Also Read:China 'unstoppable', says Xi with Kim, Putin at his side

Some 40 documents are expected to be signed,. a 47-page joint statement on their strengthening partnership will be issued, according to the Kremlin.

If the summit yields a joint statement. dozens of agreements, the symbolism alone will be significant regardless of substance, said Patricia Kim, a foreign policy fellow at the Washington-based Brookings Institution.

"It would reinforce the message that the China-Russia partnership remains strong, institutionalised,. coordinated across a broad range of strategic issues," she added.

Putin, who has called Xi a "dear friend". been labelled an "old friend" by the Chinese leader, visits at a time when bilateral trade is improving after a downturn last year.

Putin has acknowledged the need to reverse the downtrend. a nod to China's importance as an economic lifeline for sanctions-hit Moscow as the war in Ukraine takes a toll on its economy.

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