Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for a two-day state visit in a bid to "develop their privileged partnership".In a statement, the Kremlin said Mr Putin's trip had been scheduled to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Sino–Russian Treaty of Friendship.The visit comes four days after Mr Xi hosted US President Donald Trump in Beijing, but the Kremlin insists there is "no correlation".Follow live.Collapse all postsFilter PostsAll4Key Events2Wed 20 May 2026 at 11:50amWed 20 May 2026 at 11:50amWhen was the last time they met?The last time Xi and Putin met was during Beijing's World War II military parade in September last year, where other world leaders were present, such as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.In one moment during the parade, Xi and Putin were seen deep in conversation.The pair walked through the personal residence of Xi last year. (Reuters)But their focus was not military strategy or geopolitics — as a hot mic revealed — but a topic that has fascinated humans for centuries: the quest for immortality."Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become, and even achieve immortality", Putin's interpreter was heard saying."Some predict that in this century, humans may live up to 150 years old," Xi's interpreter was heard responding.The pair have described each other as "best", "dear" and "old" friends in the past.Key EventWed 20 May 2026 at 11:42amWed 20 May 2026 at 11:42am📷 Putin arrives in BeijingBy Hanan DervisevicRussian President Vladimir Putin landed in Beijing overnight.He was greeted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a military band.The two smiled as they shook hands, before walking the red carpet side by side as young people waved Russian and Chinese flags.On this state visit, Putin will be joined by senior officials and heads of large companies, including oil producer Rosneft and gas firms Novatek and Gazprom.Russian President Vladimir Putin stands next to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Reuters)Participants wave flags during a ceremony to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Reuters)Chinese honour guards march in formation near the aircraft carrying Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Reuters)Key EventWed 20 May 2026 at 11:34amWed 20 May 2026 at 11:34amWhy are Xi and Putin meeting?By Hanan DervisevicIn a statement, the Kremlin said that Putin's trip had been scheduled to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship.It said that the two leaders would discuss bilateral relations as well as "key international and regional issues" and economic cooperation."We have very serious expectations for this visit," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov also said the two leaders would discuss the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline.The proposed Power of Siberia 2, long under discussion, could one day deliver an additional 50 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas per year from Russia's Arctic gas fields via Mongolia to China.Wed 20 May 2026 at 11:30amWed 20 May 2026 at 11:30amWelcome to our live coverageBy Hanan DervisevicHello and welcome to the ABC's live coverage of Russian President Valdimir Putin's visit to Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.This year marks the 30th anniversary of the two countries' strategic partnership.Follow along as we bring you the latest.