MOSCOW – The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, is set to visit Russia from May 7 to 10, as stated by the Kremlin on Sunday. Xi’s visit coincides with his planned attendance at the Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9.
The Kremlin announced that President Xi Jinping is visiting upon the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In addition to participating in the Victory Day festivities, the two leaders are expected to deliberate on the ongoing development of their comprehensive partnership and strategic collaboration, as well as address various international and regional matters.
During Xi’s visit, both countries are expected to sign several bilateral agreements, further cementing their diplomatic relations.
This upcoming visit marks Xi’s third trip to Russia since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022. While China maintains a stance of neutrality, it has supported Moscow’s claims that the intervention was incited by Western actions. Furthermore, China continues to supply essential components that Russia requires for manufacturing weaponry.
Xi’s previous visits to Russia include attending the BRICS summit in September 2024 and an official state visit in March 2023, after which Putin reciprocated with a visit to China in October that same year. The two have also convened in Beijing in May 2024, marking Putin’s first overseas visit during his fifth presidential term, and again in Kazakhstan in July.
As a result of the economic sanctions imposed by the West, following the Kremlin’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, Russia has leaned more heavily on Chinese economic support. This heightened trade relationship with China has allowed Russia to somewhat counteract the economic ramifications of the sanctions.
China has emerged as a crucial trade partner for Russia, particularly in absorbing the majority of Russia’s energy exports and providing high-tech components essential to the Russian military sector.
In addition to economic ties, Xi and Putin have developed a personal rapport that strengthens the bond between their nations.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Moscow recently accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of endangering the foreign dignitaries attending the Victory Day celebration after Zelenskyy refused to acknowledge Russia’s proposed 72-hour ceasefire.
Zelenskyy has declared that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of international officials visiting Russia around the Victory Day celebrations, citing potential provocations from Moscow as a concern.