Putin to visit China this week, says Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China later this week to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking his inaugural foreign trip of his new presidential term, as announced by the Kremlin. The state visit, scheduled for May 16 and 17 at the invitation of Xi Jinping, will involve comprehensive discussions on the partnership and strategic ties between Moscow and Beijing, as well as the future direction of their relationship. The agenda will include deliberations on various international and regional issues, with anticipated signings of joint statements and bilateral agreements. Additionally, Putin will engage in discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, focusing on enhancing bilateral trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation.

Furthermore, Putin and Xi will participate in a commemorative event celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Beijing, along with the launch of the Russian-Chinese Years of Culture. Additionally, the Russian president's itinerary includes a visit to Harbin in northeast China, a city established by Russian settlers in the late 19th century. There, he will preside over the opening ceremony of the Russian-Chinese EXPO, scheduled from May 17 to 21, and oversee the commencement of the Russian-Chinese Forum on Interregional Cooperation. Putin will also engage with students and faculty at the Harbin Institute of Technology.

The enduring partnership between Russia and China, highlighted by their declaration in early February 2022 affirming boundless friendship and cooperation, has seen China refraining from condemning Moscow's military operations in Kiev or aligning with Western sanctions. Meanwhile, China has proposed a peace plan for resolving the Ukraine conflict, advocating for a ceasefire and a departure from Cold War mentalities while upholding sovereignty. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commended this initiative as the most explicit and comprehensive plan to date.

In a landmark visit in March 2023, Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited Moscow, resulting in the signing of various economic cooperation agreements. Later that year, Putin attended the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, engaging in direct discussions with Xi Jinping on a range of sensitive issues.