Shortly after President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Kremlin revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Beijing from May 19 to 20.
On Saturday, following Trump’s landmark trip—his first to China in almost a decade—the Kremlin confirmed Putin’s forthcoming visit. It was noted that Putin had been closely observing Trump’s engagements and anticipates conversations with Xi next week.
China has also acknowledged the planned visit.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri S. Peskov mentioned to reporters that the visit would allow Moscow to share insights regarding the interactions China had with the Americans.
The Kremlin’s announcement indicated that this trip will align with the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation between Russia and China.
The statement added that “Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping will discuss current bilateral issues, explore ways to enhance their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, and exchange views on significant international and regional matters.”
Additionally, both leaders are expected to participate in the opening ceremony for the Russia-China Years of Education, a program initiated by Putin in February aimed at increasing student exchanges and expanding educational collaborations between the two nations for 2026 and 2027.
Plans are also in place to “sign a joint statement alongside various bilateral intergovernmental and departmental agreements,” according to the Kremlin.
Mirroring the outcomes of Trump’s visit, which resulted in notable economic agreements for U.S. companies like Boeing, Putin intends to address trade and economic cooperation with China’s Premier, Li Qiang.
In recent years, China and Russia have nurtured a robust relationship. During Putin’s previous visit to China in 2025, Xi referred to him as an “old friend,” while Putin reciprocated with the term “dear friend.”
Earlier this month, Putin expressed that the two nations were “very close to reaching an agreement on significant oil and gas collaboration.”
“If we can finalize these plans during the visit, I would be quite pleased,” he remarked.
Putin also conveyed hope that there would be “no illegitimate sanctions or rising economic tensions” between the U.S. and China after Trump’s visit, which concluded without major announcements on Friday.
