Putin Arrives in Beijing for 'State Visit'... Summit Meeting with Xi Jinping (Update)

"Showcasing the Highest Level of Bilateral Relations"
Core Issue of Ukraine Problem... Establishing US Response Front

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a state visit to China on the 16th as his first overseas trip of his fifth term in office.

AP News reported that President Putin arrived in Beijing, China, early that morning.

Russian President Vladimir Putin
[Photo by Reuters]

This visit to China was at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Kremlin stated, "President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will thoroughly discuss all issues related to comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation during this meeting, and decide on new directions for the development of bilateral cooperation," adding, "They will also exchange detailed views on the most pressing international and regional issues."

Earlier, the Kremlin mentioned that President Xi chose Russia as his first overseas destination after beginning his third term in March last year, and described Putin’s current state visit as a reciprocal visit. The two leaders have met over 40 times so far, including meetings in March (Moscow) and October (Beijing) last year.

Before the state visit, President Putin showcased the close relationship with President Xi in an interview with China’s Xinhua News Agency, stating, "Bilateral relations have reached their highest level ever." He also mentioned the Ukraine issue, saying, "We are open to dialogue, but such negotiations must consider the interests of all relevant countries, including Russia."

The war between Russia and Ukraine is expected to be a key agenda item during this state visit. On the previous day, Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin’s foreign affairs advisor, said, "The most important issue in bilateral diplomatic cooperation will likely be discussed during an informal meeting held late on the first day, the 16th," indicating that the Ukraine issue will be the main topic.

In addition to the Ukraine issue, the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, and Asia-Pacific regional situations will be on the summit agenda. Other topics expected to be addressed include the connection between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a post-Soviet economic cooperation organization, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, bilateral cooperation within international organizations such as the United Nations and BRICS, and energy cooperation amid Western sanctions. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia’s economic dependence on China has significantly increased.

Particularly, economic cooperation between the two countries in response to the United States is expected to be highlighted. The U.S. raised tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to 100% the previous day, imposing a "tariff bomb" on China’s strategic industries.

Advisor Ushakov stated that after the 75th anniversary performance of diplomatic relations, President Putin and President Xi will take a walk in the park and have tea, engaging in about 45 minutes of informal conversation. Following this, an informal dinner attended by delegations from both sides will be held.

The dinner will be in a "1+4" format, with Russian Defense Minister nominee Andrey Belousov, newly appointed Secretary of the Security Council Sergey Shoigu (former Defense Minister), Acting Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Acting Finance Minister Anton Siluanov attending. On the Chinese side, it is expected that top security officials such as Cai Qi, Secretary of the Central Secretariat of the Chinese Communist Party, Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office (also Foreign Minister), Dong Jun, Minister of National Defense, and Lan Foan, Minister of Finance, will attend.

After the talks, President Putin and President Xi are scheduled to sign several documents including a joint statement, attend the 75th anniversary ceremony of diplomatic relations, and the opening ceremony of the Year of Culture between the two countries. Additionally, President Putin plans to meet with Premier Li Qiang to discuss cooperation in trade, economy, and humanitarian fields.

On the 17th, he will attend the opening ceremony of the 8th Russia-China Expo in Harbin and meet with faculty and students of Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT). HIT is one of China’s top engineering universities and one of the seven major military academies, and it is subject to U.S. sanctions. This move is interpreted as a step to strengthen joint responses by the two countries against U.S. sanctions.