Xi Hosts US and Russian Leaders in 1 Week, Casting China as Global Broker

4 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · May 18

Beijing received the US and Russian leaders within a week, giving Xi Jinping a tightly staged display of China as the meeting point for both rival powers.
That sequencing matters because any shift in China-US talks—covering tariffs, semiconductors, sanctions, rare earths, Taiwan or Ukraine—would quickly reshape Russia’s strategic position.
Moscow has particular reason to seek clarity after the US visit: China remains Russia’s economic lifeline, diplomatic shield and strategic rear base as blocs harden.
The back-to-back meetings suggest Beijing is no longer merely balancing between Washington and Moscow, but trying to place itself at the center of an emerging global order.

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