Russian President Vladimir Putin will embark on a two-day state visit to China, commencing Thursday, upon the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Their meeting will focus on fostering bilateral cooperation and addressing global and regional issues of mutual concern. China has maintained its political support for Russia amid the Ukraine conflict and continues to export non-lethal items that contribute to the Russian war effort. This visit marks Putin’s first foreign trip since assuming his fifth presidential term. China’s Foreign Ministry has stated that President Xi will engage in discussions with Putin on cooperation in various fields of bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues of common concern. China has sought to maintain a neutral stance in the Ukraine conflict but has openly declared a “no limits” relationship with Russia, opposing the Western stance. The strategic partnership between China and Russia has been bolstered by a series of joint military drills and China’s consistent opposition to economic sanctions against Russia. As authoritarian states, both China and Russia have found themselves increasingly at odds with democracies and NATO, seeking to expand their influence in Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
Russian President Vladimir Putin to Visit China this Week
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