Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a two-day state visit to China later this week, as announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
During his visit, Putin is scheduled to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, starting from Thursday, according to the statement.
The Kremlin confirmed the trip, stating that Putin’s visit comes at the invitation of Xi Jinping. This will mark Putin’s first foreign trip since his reelection and the beginning of his fifth term in office.
China’s support for Russia has been evident in various ways, from political backing in the Ukraine conflict to the continued export of essential supplies contributing to Russia’s military efforts, albeit without exporting weaponry.
Moreover, China serves as a significant export market for Russian energy supplies, ensuring steady financial resources for the Kremlin.
The agenda of the meeting between Xi and Putin will encompass discussions on cooperation across various bilateral fields, as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.
Despite positioning itself as a neutral entity in the Ukraine conflict, China has expressed unwavering solidarity with Russia, opposing economic sanctions imposed by the West. Joint military exercises and a commitment to deepen ties beyond geopolitical boundaries reflect the shared aspirations of the two authoritarian regimes.
Both countries, seeking to expand their influence globally, are increasingly at odds with democracies and Western alliances, as they vie for supremacy in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
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