epa12977162 Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 20 May 2026. EPA/ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/KREMLIN / POOL MANDATORY CREDIT

epa12977161 Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 20 May 2026. EPA/ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/KREMLIN / POOL MANDATORY CREDIT

epa12977160 Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 20 May 2026. EPA/ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/KREMLIN / POOL MANDATORY CREDIT

epa12977159 Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 20 May 2026. EPA/ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/KREMLIN / POOL MANDATORY CREDIT