Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to make his first foreign trip since being re-elected for a fourth term in office, with China being his destination for high-level discussions with Chinese leaders. The upcoming meeting between the two global powers is anticipated to cover a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from economic collaboration to regional security concerns. Given the intricate global landscape both countries are navigating, the Putin-Xi summit holds significant importance in observing the evolution of their strategic partnership amidst increasing international challenges.
The Russian President’s visit to China, set for May 16-17, is aimed at emphasizing the deepening partnership with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The declaration of a “no limits” partnership between China and Russia in February 2022 laid the groundwork for this high-profile meeting, coinciding with Putin’s visit to Beijing shortly before the deployment of tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine.
According to the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin’s trip to China was extended on the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking his inaugural foreign visit after assuming office. The agenda for the visit includes discussions on bilateral relations, cooperation across various sectors, as well as global and regional issues of mutual interest. This trip will be Putin’s second visit to China in just over six months, underscoring the economic significance of China as a crucial lifeline for Russia amidst sanctions imposed by Western nations in response to its military actions in Ukraine.
Despite facing criticism from Western nations regarding their partnership, China and Russia have continued to strengthen their economic ties and military collaboration. Recent punitive measures by the United States targeting more than 280 entities, including 20 Chinese and Hong Kong-based firms, have further highlighted the scrutiny faced by this alliance. The escalating tensions between the US and China, portraying China as its primary competitor and Russia as a significant national security threat, have added complexity to the global geopolitical landscape.
Putin’s strategic pivot towards China, following efforts by the US and its allies to isolate Russia, has led to a record-breaking bilateral trade volume of $240.1 billion in 2023, representing a substantial increase from the previous year. Notably, Russia has emerged as China’s top crude oil supplier, with a significant surge in oil shipments to China despite Western sanctions. The upcoming discussions between Putin and Xi are expected to identify key areas for further enhancing Russian-Chinese functional cooperation, with a joint statement to be issued post the meeting.
As part of the visit, Putin will engage in discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on economic cooperation, while also attending a trade and investment exposition in the northeastern city of Harbin, known for its strong ties with Russia. The event will also commemorate 75 years since the Soviet Union’s recognition of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, a significant milestone in their shared history.
