Chinese president Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia from 7 to 10 May, the Kremlin announced on Sunday. During the visit, Xi will take part in ceremonies commemorating 80 years since the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
The visit will include formal talks between the presidents of the two countries on strengthening their partnership and discussing key international and regional developments. According to a Kremlin statement, ministers from both countries are expected to sign several bilateral agreements during the trip.
Russian president Putin has also ordered a temporary three-day ceasefire in Ukraine from 8 to 10 May, to coincide with Victory Day commemorations on 9 May. Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected it, calling it political theatre.
China has repeatedly presented itself as a neutral party in the ongoing war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, many western governments argue that Beijing’s close ties with Moscow, especially in trade and diplomacy, have indirectly helped Russia sustain its war effort.
The two nations have repeatedly criticised what they describe as “western hegemony,” particularly US dominance in global affairs, and declared a “no limits” partnership just weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.