The Kremlin announced on Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will head to China on May 19 for a two-day visit, shortly after US President Donald Trump concluded his high-level trip to Beijing.According to the Kremlin statement, Putin will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on ways to “further strengthen the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation” between Moscow and Beijing.The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on “key international and regional issues” and sign a joint declaration at the end of the talks.Putin is also scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
The visit comes on the heels of Trump’s trip to Beijing
The Kremlin’s announcement came just one day after Trump concluded the first visit by a US president to China in nearly a decade. The visit was dominated by discussions about Taiwan, trade relations and the ongoing Iranian conflict.Taiwan emerged as one of the most sensitive issues during Trump’s meetings with Xi. The Chinese leader reportedly warned that mishandling of the Taiwan issue could push Washington and Beijing toward conflict.
Trump later said aboard Air Force One that he had not yet decided whether to go ahead with a major US arms deal to Taiwan after hearing Xi’s objections.Trump also said he and Xi discussed Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, with the US president claiming the Chinese leader agreed that Iran should not have nuclear weapons and that the strategic waterway should remain open.
Sino-Russian relations under focus
China has maintained close relations with Russia since Moscow launched its military attack in Ukraine in February 2022.
While Beijing has repeatedly called for peace talks, it has avoided condemning Russia’s actions and continues to describe itself as a neutral party.China has also denied Western allegations that it is supplying Russia with weapons or military equipment for the conflict in Ukraine. Instead, Beijing accused Western countries of prolonging the war by continuing to arm Ukraine.China has become Russia’s main economic partner in recent years, especially after Western sanctions isolated Moscow from many global markets. Beijing remains one of the largest buyers of Russian fossil fuels, helping sustain the Russian economy amid sanctions pressure.Trump’s visit to China also saw both Washington and Beijing talk about creating a more “constructive” and stable relationship, although key disagreements over Taiwan and trade and geopolitical tensions remain unresolved.
