Russia and China (Image source: AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit China on Tuesday for a two-day visit, less than a week after US President Donald Trump made a high-level visit to the country.The visit of the “old friend” of Chinese President Xi Jinping is officially linked to the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good Neighborhood and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia in 2001.
Putin’s last visit to China was in September 2025 to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tianjin.What’s on the agenda?According to the official portal of the President of the Russian Federation, Putin and Xi are expected to discuss bilateral relations, ways to enhance strategic cooperation between Russia and China, and major regional and international issues.The two leaders will also attend the opening ceremony of the Russia-China Years of Education (2026-2027).Following the talks, the two sides are expected to sign a joint statement along with several bilateral and intergovernmental agreements.Putin is also scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.How strong are Sino-Russian relations?As reported by the BBC, Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, described relations between China and Russia as “extremely unequal.”
“The relationship is highly asymmetrical, and any deals reached between the two countries are likely to be on Chinese terms,” Gabuev said, adding, “Russia is completely in China’s pocket, and China can dictate the terms.”According to Al Jazeera, Putin said before the visit that Moscow and Beijing were working together for “global peace and prosperity.”Read also: After Donald Trump, Putin visits Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 19 for two days
