The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has announced that he plans to visit China in October at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. This trip will mark Putin’s first visit to China since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022.
The Kremlin had previously indicated Putin’s intention to participate in the “Belt and Road Forum,” an international event that brings together world leaders to discuss economic cooperation and infrastructure. This visit comes at a time when Russia is seeking to strengthen its international relations and diversify its economic partners.
While the exact details of the visit’s agenda have not yet been made public, it is likely that the Russian and Chinese leaders will discuss bilateral issues, economic cooperation, as well as regional and global geopolitical developments.
In recent years, Russia and China have bolstered their strategic partnership, particularly in trade, energy, and military cooperation. Their relationship has been a key element of both countries’ foreign policies, and Putin’s visit to China in October is expected to further strengthen this strategic alliance.
It’s worth noting that Russia faces international sanctions due to its role in the conflict in Ukraine, which has prompted the country to seek alternative partnerships. China has become a key partner for Russia in this context, and Putin’s visit in October could be a significant moment to enhance this cooperation.