Xi Jinping Warns of ‘Jungle Raj’ as Middle East War Escalates, Calls for New Global Order with Putin
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Beijing
- May 20, 2026
- 236
Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a serious warning over the ongoing Middle East war, saying the world could return to a dangerous “jungle raj” if conflicts and unilateral military actions continue unchecked.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday, Xi said the prolonged violence threatens international order, global stability, and diplomatic balance.
According to Reuters, Xi Jinping stressed that continued warfare could weaken international laws and institutions, creating a world where force dominates diplomacy. He said stopping the fighting immediately is essential to prevent deeper geopolitical instability.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin Call for Multipolar World Order
Putin received a grand ceremonial welcome in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People, where military bands played the national anthems of Russia and China. The two leaders walked together on a red carpet before beginning talks focused on global politics, energy security, BRICS cooperation, and the Middle East crisis.
During the meeting, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin jointly opposed global hegemony and called for a more balanced international system.
Xi said China and Russia should work together to strengthen a fair and just global governance structure. Putin stated that Russia-China relations have steadily expanded over the past 25 years and are now stronger than ever before.
According to Al Jazeera, nearly 40 agreements related to economy, tourism, education, infrastructure, and energy cooperation are expected to be signed between the two countries.
Russia-China Energy Partnership Gains Importance After Ukraine War
Russia’s energy partnership with China has become increasingly critical since the Ukraine war sharply reduced Russian gas exports to Europe.
China has significantly increased imports of Russian oil, coal, and natural gas, while Russia continues importing Chinese vehicles, electronics, and industrial products.
Official figures show bilateral trade between Russia and China reached nearly US$228.1 billion last year. Russia reportedly recorded a trade surplus of over US$21 billion, reflecting rapid growth in economic cooperation between the two countries.
Power of Siberia-2 Pipeline Project Under Discussion
The massive “Power of Siberia-2” gas pipeline project is expected to remain a key topic during talks between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.
The proposed pipeline aims to transport nearly 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Russia’s Yamal Peninsula to northern China through Mongolia.
Experts believe the project could supply gas to nearly 150–200 million households every year and further strengthen long-term Russia-China energy cooperation.
Russia already supplies gas to China through the existing Power of Siberia-1 pipeline, which became operational in 2019.
Putin Says Russia-China Relations at ‘Unprecedented Level’
Ahead of his Beijing visit, Vladimir Putin released a video statement describing Russia-China relations as being at an “unprecedented level.”
Putin said both nations share strong trust, equal cooperation, and strategic understanding. He added that Moscow and Beijing continue supporting each other on issues involving sovereignty, national unity, defense cooperation, and economic development.
The Russian President also said the growing partnership between China and Russia plays a major role in maintaining global stability amid rising international tensions.
China Balancing Relations Between US and Russia
Global analysts believe Putin’s visit to Beijing reflects China’s broader strategy of balancing ties with both Russia and the United States during a period of growing geopolitical uncertainty linked to Ukraine, Iran, and Middle East tensions.
Experts say Beijing is attempting to strengthen its influence by maintaining diplomatic engagement with both Moscow and Washington simultaneously.
Former US President Donald Trump has also remained central to discussions around future global power dynamics and US foreign policy.
Xi Jinping and Putin Meet Over 40 Times
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have met more than 40 times over the years, building one of the strongest political partnerships in global diplomacy.
Xi chose Russia for his first foreign visit after becoming President of China in 2013, while Putin has repeatedly prioritized China during major diplomatic engagements.
The two leaders regularly appear together at international platforms including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Middle East Tensions Trigger Global Energy Concerns
Escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran are now creating uncertainty in the global energy market. Concerns over possible disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have increased fears about global oil supply shortages and economic slowdown.
Analysts say rising oil and gas prices are currently benefiting Russia because of its massive energy reserves. However, Western sanctions imposed after the Ukraine war continue to affect the Russian economy despite growing trade with China.