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Xi Hosts Putin, Trump; 20 Deals Signed, Pipeline Stalled

5/20/2026

23 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump at Great Hall of the People.
The Putin talks produced twenty trade deals but did not approve the delayed gas pipeline.
Xi called for an end to “strikes,” peace in Middle East, and stayed silent on Ukraine.
Analysts said visits aim to reposition China as a diplomatic hub after pandemic isolation and sanctions.

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Story summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump at Great Hall of the People.
The Putin talks produced twenty trade deals but did not approve the delayed gas pipeline.
Xi called for an end to “strikes,” peace in Middle East, and stayed silent on Ukraine.
Analysts said visits aim to reposition China as a diplomatic hub after pandemic isolation and sanctions.