Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to make a two-day state visit to China this week, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The visit, starting on Thursday, marks the latest demonstration of unity between the two nations against the U.S.-led Western liberal global order.
During the visit, Putin will meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the discussions will focus on “cooperation in various fields of bilateral relations … as well as international and regional issues of common concern.” Specific details of the discussions were not disclosed.
The Kremlin confirmed the trip, noting that it was at Xi’s invitation and marking Putin’s first foreign trip since beginning his fifth term as president.
China has provided political backing to Russia in the conflict in Ukraine, exporting machine tools, electronics, and other items that contribute to the Russian war effort, though it has refrained from exporting weaponry. Additionally, China serves as a major market for Russian energy supplies.
Despite declaring a “no limits” relationship with Russia and opposing economic sanctions against Moscow, China has attempted to position itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict. Both nations have conducted joint military drills and oppose NATO, while also seeking to expand their influence in Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
Putin’s visit to China coincides with the upcoming inauguration of William Lai Ching-te as the president of Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy claimed by China. China has threatened to annex Taiwan by force if necessary.
Xi Jinping recently completed a five-day visit to Europe, including stops in Hungary and Serbia, countries considered close to Russia. This trip was viewed as an effort to bolster China’s influence and create a divide between the EU and NATO, in contrast to a potential bloc of authoritarian nations supported by Chinese economic influence, which is currently challenged by a housing crisis and slower domestic economic growth.