Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek, calling for deeper bilateral cooperation as global uncertainties increase.
The meeting underscored the continuing strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow, with the two leaders discussing bilateral ties as well as international and regional developments. Xi said China was ready to work with Russia and other countries to support a more equal and orderly multipolar world.
Xi Warns Of Rising Uncertainty
Xi told Putin that “uncertainties and unpredictable factors” in the international situation had increased significantly.
He said the foundations of China-Russia relations would become stronger under the strategic guidance of both countries and through continued joint efforts.
According to China's Foreign Ministry, Xi also stressed that despite changes in the international environment, the desire of people around the world for peace, development, cooperation and mutually beneficial outcomes remained unchanged.
Beijing Backs Multipolar World
Xi said China was prepared to work with Russia and other countries to strengthen efforts to reform global governance.
The Chinese leader advocated an “equal and orderly multipolar world”, reflecting Beijing's long-standing push for a more distributed international system rather than one dominated by a single major power.
The remarks also underline the broader strategic coordination between China and Russia as both countries seek greater influence in international affairs.
Putin Highlights AI Cooperation
Putin used the meeting to highlight opportunities for expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
He said bilateral cooperation was developing across multiple areas and argued that advances in AI and digital innovation could create new opportunities for economic development in both countries.
The emphasis on technology indicates that China-Russia cooperation is extending beyond traditional areas such as energy, trade and strategic affairs into emerging digital sectors.
Ukraine War Also Discussed
The two presidents also touched upon the Ukraine conflict during their meeting, although it was not described as the main focus of their talks.
The discussion came amid continuing international efforts to address the war and wider tensions between Russia and Western countries.
The meeting nevertheless centred more broadly on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern.
Putin Seeks Permanent Visa-Free Deal
Putin also proposed making the China-Russia visa-free arrangement permanent if Beijing considers the move practical and beneficial.
He said the existing arrangement had contributed to a significant increase in tourism between the two countries.
A permanent visa-free framework could further increase travel and people-to-people exchanges while supporting tourism and business links between China and Russia.
SCO Summit Sets Backdrop
The Xi-Putin meeting took place during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, bringing together leaders from across Eurasia.
The SCO has evolved from its original regional security focus into a wider platform for political, economic and security cooperation. The 2026 summit comes as China and Russia seek to strengthen their influence across Eurasia while promoting alternatives to Western-led international institutions.
The summit also provided an opportunity for Xi to hold separate meetings with leaders including Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.
China-Russia Ties Deepen
The latest meeting reinforces the strategic importance both governments attach to their relationship.
For Beijing, Russia remains an important partner in energy, security and broader Eurasian diplomacy. For Moscow, closer ties with China provide economic and diplomatic support as Russia continues to face pressure from Western countries over the Ukraine war.
The latest discussions show that cooperation is also expanding into AI, digital innovation, tourism and global-governance issues.
However, the meeting should not be interpreted as evidence of a formal military alliance between the two countries. Instead, it reflects their continuing strategic coordination and shared interest in promoting a multipolar international order.
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