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Xi and Putin Sign “Multipolar World” Declaration on Energy, Travel, and Global Cooperation
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Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed a declaration in Beijing on the creation of a “multipolar world” and a “new model of international relations,” according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on May 20.
According to the outlet, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the document as a “conceptual” and “programmatic” agreement.
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Russian media reported that Moscow and Beijing signed around 20 cooperation agreements spanning multiple sectors, including a joint statement on deepening the “comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction” between the two countries.
The sides also agreed to extend their existing Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, whose 25th anniversary coincided with Putin’s visit to Beijing.
Following the talks, Xi stated that relations between China and Russia were continuing to reach “new heights,” adding that amid changes in the global order, the partnership serves as a “key constant.”
Putin said Moscow and Beijing were seeking to establish a “fairer and more democratic world order,” arguing that their close coordination is particularly important during a period of heightened international tensions. He also claimed bilateral relations had reached an “unprecedentedly high level.”
According to Putin, energy cooperation remains the driving force behind economic ties between Russia and China.
Analysts had previously identified the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline as one of Moscow’s main priorities during the visit. Russia sees the project as crucial for replacing European gas markets lost after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ushakov said the visit resulted in agreements on joint energy initiatives as well as “something very important” in another unspecified field.
China’s Foreign Ministry also announced that both countries agreed to extend their visa-free travel arrangement through December 31, 2027. Under the policy, Russian citizens may stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa using only a valid international passport.
The deepening ties between Moscow and Beijing come as frustration over Russia’s domestic infrastructure problems has led some citizens to publicly call for Chinese assistance.
According to Russian independent outlet Astra, residents of the Berezovy district in Russia’s Irkutsk region appealed to the Russian leadership with a proposal to involve China in the construction of schools and kindergartens if Russian authorities are unable to complete the projects themselves.
Local residents said regional and municipal officials have failed for years to deliver basic educational infrastructure. A school promised in 2021 remains unfinished, while work on a kindergarten was reportedly halted two years ago due to funding shortages.
Residents stated that they had spent the last five years sending complaints and requests to local authorities, regional officials, and the Kremlin, but claimed no progress had been made. As a result, children from the district reportedly continue traveling to neighboring settlements to attend school.
Additionally, despite suggestions about China hosting Russian military personnel for covert training, Beijing has rejected a Reuters report claiming that such activities took place before the troops were later deployed in the war against Ukraine.
Chinese officials described the allegations as an attempt to shift responsibility for the war onto China and called on all parties to refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions.
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