Vladimir Putin’s visit to China
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing for an official visit, touching down on the evening of May 19. He was greeted at the airport by an honor guard and a crowd waving Russian and Chinese flags. The main negotiations between Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are scheduled for May 20 at Tiananmen Square. This marks Putin’s 25th trip to China.
Topics on the agenda
The discussions are expected to cover:
- bilateral relations
- economic cooperation
- international issues
One likely topic is the proposed 'Power of Siberia-2' gas pipeline, which would link Russian Arctic fields to China via Mongolia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow has 'very serious expectations' for the upcoming talks.
Putin’s visit comes just days after Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Donald Trump. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun denied a Financial Times report that Xi had made critical remarks about Putin or Russia’s war in Ukraine. Peskov described Russia-China relations as a 'particularly privileged strategic partnership.'
This visit underscores the strategic importance of the Russia-China partnership amid rising global tensions. Discussions of projects like the 'Power of Siberia-2' pipeline signal a shared intent to deepen energy cooperation, a cornerstone of their economic ties. Meanwhile, Xi’s recent meeting with Trump highlights Beijing’s effort to balance its relationships with major powers while maintaining close ties with Moscow.
As the discussions between Putin and Xi unfold, it's essential to consider the broader context of their relationship. Recently, China has rebuffed claims regarding critical remarks made by Xi about Putin, reinforcing the notion of a solid alliance amid global scrutiny. This backdrop highlights the significance of their upcoming negotiations and the potential impact on international dynamics.