Putin meets Xi in Beijing as Russia seeks China energy deal amid Iran crisis

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing today, strengthening their alliance days after Trump's visit failed to secure Hormuz Strait reopening. Xi called China-Russia ties 'unyielding' while Putin emphasized relations reached 'unprecedentedly high levels' despite Western sanctions.

Russia, weakened by Ukraine war, is increasingly dependent on China as its main energy buyer. Putin seeks progress on the 'Power of Siberia 2' gas pipeline through Mongolia as alternative energy disrupted by the Iran conflict. Russia's top diplomat previously stated Russia could 'compensate' for China's energy shortages.

China however wants the Middle East conflict resolved quickly, as it relies on free global waterways for economic activities. For Nigeria, this geopolitical shift matters significantly as an oil producer - energy prices and international relationships may shift as Russia and China position themselves as energy alternatives amid Middle East tensions.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/05/20/putin-xi-hail-unyielding-ties-in-talks-after-trump-visit/