Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing on Wednesday for talks aimed at deepening bilateral coordination and cooperation. The meeting, held just days after U.S. President Donald Trump's official visit to China, marks a significant diplomatic engagement for both leaders.

Video footage showed Xi greeting Putin outside the Great Hall of the People, where the two leaders shook hands before proceeding to their discussions. A red carpet was rolled out for the Russian president, and a military band played the national anthems of both countries, underscoring the ceremonial importance of the occasion.

Al Jazeera's Katrina Yu, reporting from Beijing, highlighted that Putin's visit celebrates 25 years of Sino-Russian friendship. She noted that Putin has visited China 25 times previously, indicating a long-standing and robust relationship. The current visit is expected to focus on reinforcing existing ties and coordinating on regional and global issues.

Both leaders are anticipated to update each other on the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine. Yu suggested that Xi would likely discuss the outcomes of his recent meeting with U.S. President Trump, potentially gauging China's strategic positioning in light of recent U.S.-China interactions.

Putin is accompanied by a large delegation, including prominent businesspeople and government officials. The Kremlin has announced plans to sign approximately 40 agreements spanning various sectors such as the economy, tourism, and education. However, energy security is expected to be a primary topic of discussion for Putin.

With European gas sales significantly impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, Russia is facing substantial revenue shortfalls. The need for stable markets and revenue streams makes energy cooperation with China a critical priority for Moscow.

The meeting between Xi and Putin occurs against a backdrop of complex international relations, including the protracted conflict in Ukraine and evolving dynamics between the U.S., China, and Russia. The strengthening of Sino-Russian ties is seen by some as a stabilizing force in a turbulent global landscape.

Further discussions are expected to address broader economic and strategic alignments, with both nations seeking to enhance their partnership amidst shifting geopolitical currents. The comprehensive nature of the planned agreements suggests a broad scope for future collaboration between the two powers.