Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China on Thursday morning for a two-day state visit, marking a significant development in the strengthening ties between Moscow and Beijing amidst strained relations with the West, as reported by CNN.
Since this is Putin’s first international trip since taking office anew last week, it has significant symbolic meaning. In the midst of tensions with Western powers, it also highlights Beijing and Moscow’s growing friendship.
Putin’s arrival in China came at the same time as Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, declared that all upcoming foreign visits would be suspended while his forces confronted Russian advances in the northeastern Kharkiv region.CNN reports that discussions between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to encompass the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Gaza war, as well as the expansion of their trade, security, and energy partnerships.
Prior to his visit, Putin lauded the “unprecedented level of strategic partnership” between the two nations in an interview with Chinese state media Xinhua. He expressed aims to enhance foreign policy coordination and deepen cooperation across various sectors including industry, high-tech, space exploration, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and other innovative domains.
Putin also praised China’s approach to resolving the crisis in Ukraine. Notably, while Beijing has refrained from condemning Russia’s actions, it maintains a stance of ‘neutrality’ and advocates for peace talks considering the perspectives of both sides.
Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both leaders have intensified diplomatic, trade, and security collaborations. Despite sanctions imposed by several countries targeting Russia, trade between Moscow and Beijing has flourished, reaching unprecedented levels last year.
This marks the fourth face-to-face meeting between Xi and Putin since the conflict began, with Putin’s second visit to Beijing during this period. Xi had also visited Moscow in 2023 after commencing his new term as China’s president, as reported by CNN.
During their meetings in Beijing, the leaders are anticipated to sign multiple bilateral agreements and commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations with a “gala event,” according to Chinese state media. Additionally, Putin is expected to visit Harbin, the capital of China’s northeastern Heilongjiang province bordering Russia’s Far East, where he will participate in trade and cooperation forums.