An analyst in China captured the stark contrast between the two visits as a clear choice between pomp and pragmatism.

“Over these 30 years, our relations, tempered by wind and rain, have risen to ever new heights, following the dictates of the times,” Xi said after the summit on Wednesday morning, referencing the 30th anniversary this year of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination.

“[Ties] are now at the historical peak of a comprehensive partnership and strategic coordination in a new era and are rightfully considered a model of a new type of relationship between major powers,” Xi added.

China’s Xi hails ‘fruitful’ talks with Russia’s Putin #xitrumpsummit

His remarks followed a grand signing ceremony in the Great Hall of the People, where Xi and Putin sealed over 20 agreements covering energy, trade, science and technology, and infrastructure. The two sides also signed a sweeping agreement to further boost strategic ties and a joint declaration to push for a multipolar world order.

In all, over 40 agreements at government and corporate levels were reached during his visit, Putin told reporters at the same briefing.