Russian President Vladimir Putin starts state visit to China on May 19, 2026. Photo: Xinhua

　　Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Beijing on Tuesday night, where he was greeted by senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, placing the Chinese capital back in the international spotlight just days after US President Donald Trump"s visit.

　　"China welcomes President Putin"s state visit to China," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun at a press conference on Tuesday, when Chinese and Russian national flags fluttered along several major streets across Beijing.

　　The visit marks Putin"s 25th trip to China - more than any other incumbent leader of a major country.

　　Observers said the frequency of such exchanges reflects the depth of China-Russia ties. In a complex and shifting global landscape, the relationship has demonstrated notable resilience, with both sides emphasizing non-alliance, non-confrontation and a commitment not to target third parties - an approach they say supports global stability and a more multipolar international order.

　　"Unprecedented level"

　　In a video address delivered before his state visit to China, Putin said Russia-China relations have reached "a truly unprecedented level," Xinhua News Agency reported.

　　Putin also noted that 25 years ago, Russia and China signed the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, which laid a solid foundation for a genuinely strategic relationship and comprehensive partnership for the benefit of the two countries and two peoples.

　　This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination.