Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to travel to China on May 19 for a two day state visit aimed at strengthening strategic ties between Moscow and Beijing following the recent visit of United States President Donald Trump to the Asian nation.
According to a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss ways to deepen cooperation and reinforce the comprehensive partnership between both countries.
The leaders will also exce views on major international and regional issues, including the ongoing Russia Ukraine conflict and growing geopolitical tensions involving the United States and its allies. At the end of the talks, both nations are expected to sign a joint declaration aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic and strategic cooperation.
During the visit, Putin is also scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss trade, energy and economic relations between the two countries.
Putin’s visit comes shortly after Trump concluded his high profile trip to Beijing, the first by a United States president in nearly a decade. Although Trump held discussions with Xi on issues including the Ukraine war and tensions involving Iran, no major breakthrough was announced after the meeting.
China has consistently maintained a neutral position on the Russia Ukraine conflict and has repeatedly called for peace talks. However, Beijing has refused to condemn Russia’s military operation in Ukraine and has denied accusations by Western countries that it is supplying weapons or military equipment to Moscow.
As Western sanctions continue to isolate Russia economically, China has become one of Moscow’s most important economic partners, particularly through increased purchases of Russian oil and gas.
Analysts believe Putin’s latest visit signals the continued strengthening of the Russia China alliance at a time of rising global political and economic tensions.
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