Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a two-day state visit to China this week, as confirmed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The visit will commence on Thursday and will include a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The Kremlin also released a statement confirming Putin’s trip, noting that it was at the invitation of Xi Jinping. This visit marks Putin’s first foreign trip since being sworn in for his fifth term as president.
China’s support for Russia in the conflict in Ukraine has been evident, with the country providing political backing and exporting non-weapon items that contribute to the Russian war effort. Additionally, China serves as a crucial export market for energy supplies, bolstering the Kremlin’s financial resources.
During the visit, Xi and Putin are expected to discuss cooperation in various fields of bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest. China has positioned itself as a neutral party in the conflict but maintains a strong relationship with Russia, opposing economic sanctions imposed by the West.
The growing alliance between these two authoritarian states poses a challenge to democracies and NATO, as they aim to expand their influence in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The visit underscores the strategic partnership between Russia and China, highlighting their shared interests and common stance against Western powers.