Beijing endorses Moscow’s ‘root causes’ framing on Ukraine in Putin-Xi joint statement

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the "complete elimination" of the "root causes" of what they termed the "Ukrainian crisis" in a joint statement signed in Beijing on 20 May 2026, according to Radio Free Liberty.

Beijing has officially presented itself as neutral on the war while continuing to purchase Russian oil and supply dual-use goods used by the Russian military. The 20 May text formally aligns Chinese language on the war with Moscow's preferred framing.

What the joint statements say

The paragraph on Ukraine in the bilateral statement on strengthening partnership says the parties are "convinced of the need for the complete elimination of the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis on the basis of observing the principles of the UN Charter in their entirety, totality, and interconnection," and that they "advocate continuing the search for a solution through dialogue and negotiations." Russian officials have routinely invoked unspecified "root causes" that must be eliminated to end the war against Ukraine, with the list ranging from NATO expansion to Ukraine's language laws.

A second document — the Declaration on the Formation of a Multipolar World and International Relations of a New Type — contains veiled criticism of the United States and other Western countries. It states the need to "resolutely oppose the use of human rights as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of other states, as well as the politicization and instrumentalization of human rights issues," and that "disagreements and disputes should be resolved peacefully, eliminating the root causes of conflicts." Putin aide Yury Ushakov called the document "conceptual and programmatic."

A joint statement issued after the talks said the two countries "intend to continue strengthening cooperation in combating the glorification of Nazism, fascism, and militarism, as well as attempts to revive these destructive ideologies," the Kyiv Independent reported.

Power of Siberia 2 still without an agreed timeline

Negotiations on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline have stalled for years, with China demanding gas prices close to Russia's heavily subsidized domestic rates and seeking only limited volumes. Moscow regards the pipeline as central to recovering gas markets lost in Europe after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed after the talks that the project was discussed but said there is no "clear understanding" yet on implementation timelines. Putin said Russia is ready to continue uninterrupted deliveries of oil, gas, and coal to China.

Ushakov said agreements had been reached "on joint projects in energy" and on "something very important" in another sphere, without providing details.

Bilateral ties and visit context

China's Foreign Ministry said the two countries had agreed to extend their visa-free regime until 31 December 2027. Around 40 documents were expected to be signed during the visit, alongside the release of a 47-page joint statement on strengthening bilateral ties, the Kyiv Independent reported. The trip also marked the 25th anniversary of the existing Russia-China friendship and cooperation treaty, which the parties agreed to extend.

Reuters reported, citing unnamed sources, that the Chinese military secretly trained about 200 Russian military personnel in China in late 2025, with some later returning to fight in Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent noted.

Putin's visit came one week after US President Donald Trump traveled to China from 13 to 15 May 2026, the first visit by a US president since 2017. Trump described the trade deals reached on his trip as "fantastic."