Putin Welcomed With Ceremonial Cannon Salutes at China’s Most Iconic Square

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Beijing where China’s Xi Jinping rolls out a grand welcome at Tiananmen Square, ahead of high-stakes talks on energy and bilateral ties.

Putin Steps Into Beijing With a Bang Literally

Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in China on Wednesday and Beijing wasted absolutely no time showing the world just how seriously it takes this visit. Cannons thundered across Tiananmen Square, China’s most iconic public space, sending ceremonial salutes booming through the morning air as Putin arrived.

Chinese President Xi Jinping personally stepped forward to greet Putin right at the entrance of the Great Hall of the People. It was a pointed gesture warm, deliberate, and highly symbolic. The two leaders stood side by side as the cannon salutes rang out across Tiananmen Square in Putin’s honor.

Formal Ceremony Sets the Stage for Big Talks

The official welcome ceremony unfolded Wednesday morning on Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing. The Russian president and his entire delegation received a full state reception one that left little doubt about the significance Beijing places on Moscow as a partner.

Later that same morning, the two leaders moved indoors to the Great Hall of the People China’s grand parliamentary building right beside the square. That is where the formal summit talks between Putin and Xi Jinping are scheduled to take place.

Energy Deals and Bilateral Relations on the Agenda

The agenda for Wednesday’s summit is broad and consequential. Putin and Xi are expected to work through the full spectrum of Russia-China bilateral relations including the most sensitive areas of cooperation.

The two leaders will also compare notes on pressing international and regional issues. Among the headline topics energy cooperation particularly around hydrocarbons is expected to dominate much of the conversation. A key item drawing attention is the long-discussed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, which would dramatically expand Russian gas flows into China. Discussions around that specific project are expected to be detailed and substantive.