Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday for a three-day state visit to Russia, his first foreign trip since securing a third term as China’s leader last week. The visit is seen as a show of support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is facing international condemnation and sanctions over his invasion of Ukraine.
According to the Kremlin, Xi and Putin will discuss “topical issues of further development of comprehensive partnership relations and strategic cooperation between Russia and China”, as well as exchange views on “deepening Russian-Chinese cooperation in the international arena”. The two leaders will also sign “a number of important bilateral documents”.
China has a balanced approach to its interests and relations with both Russia and Europe amid the Ukraine crisis. Beijing has called for a political settlement of the conflict and urged dialogue and negotiation between Kyiv and Moscow.
China and Russia have forged a close partnership in recent years, based on shared opposition to Western-led military blocs, such as NATO, and cooperation on economic, energy, technological and security issues. China is the biggest importer of Russian oil and gas, while Russia is a major supplier of weapons and military equipment to China.
Xi’s visit comes days after Putin claimed that he was ready for a “political and diplomatic settlement” of the war in Ukraine ahead of a phone call with US President Joe Biden. However, there has been no sign of de-escalation or withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.
Xi is also expected to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone during his visit, according to some reports. China has maintained trade ties with Ukraine despite the war and has expressed interest in investing in its infrastructure projects.
The visit will also mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia, which established their strategic partnership. Xi has previously described Putin as his “best friend” and said that their relationship had “no limits”.
