Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a two-day state visit to China starting May 16th, where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping for discussions on bilateral relations and global issues. The meeting comes at a crucial time, with both Russia and China facing geopolitical challenges. Putin’s visit to China, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, will be his first international trip since being sworn in for a fifth term as president. The meeting is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including cooperation in trade, energy, and other areas of mutual interest. Both sides are also likely to discuss international developments, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions between Russia and the West. This meeting between Putin and Xi Jinping is being closely watched by the international community, as it is seen as a show of unity between the two countries against the US-led Western liberal global order. The meeting is expected to result in the signing of bilateral agreements and a joint statement outlining areas of cooperation between Russia and China. The timing of Putin’s visit is also significant, as it comes just a few months ahead of the US Presidential elections and amidst ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, China has recently been criticized for its support of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Putin’s trip to China signals that Beijing continues to view its bilateral relationship with Russia as important, despite pressure from European leaders to distance itself from Moscow. The meeting will provide an opportunity for both Putin and Xi Jinping to discuss their shared concerns and coordinate their positions on global issues. This meeting is a significant development in international relations and has the potential to shape the direction of global affairs in the coming years.