Days after Trump left, Xi welcomed Putin. They have a chemistry that’s reshaping the world

May 25, 2026 — 3:00am

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That red carpet at Beijing Capital International Airport must be worn out by now. US President Donald Trump used it last week during his three-day state visit to China. A few days later, Russia’s president Vladimir Putin used it too, for a visit marking the 25th anniversary of a friendship and co-operation treaty between Russia and China.

Like Trump, Putin received a guard of honour, a 21-gun salute, and an enthusiastic welcome by happy Chinese children waving flags. The Russian president was met by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in line with standard diplomatic protocol. Trump got a more senior welcomer – Vice President Han Zheng, who outranks the foreign minister in China. It was a subtle gesture from China’s President Xi Jinping, acknowledging the rarity of a visit from the US president.

The West has imposed widespread sanctions against Russia in an attempt to isolate Putin over his illegal invasion of Ukraine. They have been unsuccessful. Russia remains in control of the key ingredients of success: food, fuel, materials and scientific and engineering talent. And it’s not just China that engages economically with Russia but other populous countries such as India, Brazil, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia and Turkey — a NATO member.

A procession of world leaders have made a beeline for Beijing in the past six months, including Emmanuel Macron of France, Mark Carney of Canada, and Keir Starmer........

© WA Today