Exclusive
Manila’s EV ambitions confront economic and energy realities Manila’s EV ambitions confront economic and energy realities Tunisian court dismisses case to dissolve publisher of ICIJ partner Inkyfada Tunisian court dismisses case to dissolve publisher of ICIJ partner Inkyfada Prabowo Faces Growing Discontent as Jokowi Revives His Political Ambitions Prabowo Faces Growing Discontent as Jokowi Revives His Political Ambitions
Current Affairs

China and Russia unite on world order, but Putin departs without concrete gains

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit this week offered China another opportunity to showcase its diplomatic weight after hosting US President Donald Trump.
But behind the display…

By Samantha Johnson / May 21, 2026

But behind the display of solidarity and trust, the packed trip appeared to yield few concrete gains for Moscow – notably no deals on the closely watched Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project.

Still, Chinese observers said the trip reflected the shared push by Beijing and Moscow for a multipolar world order, even as economic and strategic asymmetries in the relationship have become increasingly apparent.

Advertisement

Zhang Xin, a professor at the Centre for Russian Studies at East China Normal University, said Beijing’s position in managing China-Russia-US ties appeared to be strengthened after hosting Trump and Putin.

“China is actually standing in a relatively more advantageous position,” he said.

Advertisement

“Given the fact that the leaders of Russia and the US have visited China, this is not just symbolic. Indeed, China now is in a relatively stronger position within this triangular relationship.”

Don't Miss: