Summit with Putin Expected to Discuss China-Russia Relations, Global Governance, and Multilateral Cooperation
Chinese President Xi Jinping will make a state visit to Russia from May 7 to May 10, during which he will attend the 'Victory Day' commemoration event in Moscow on May 9.
China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported on May 4, "At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Xi will visit Russia and participate in the event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War."
On the same day, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement saying, "During this visit to Russia, President Xi will engage in strategic discussions with President Putin regarding new directions for the development of China-Russia relations, as well as major international and regional issues."
The statement added, "The two countries will strengthen cooperation on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS, and will work together with Global South countries to guide international governance in the right direction."
The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on recent emerging issues, including the ongoing trade conflict between the United States and China. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "We oppose unilateralism and coercive practices, and we will promote a fair and orderly multipolar world order and economic globalization that benefits all."
President Xi and President Putin held three meetings last year to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and they agreed to jointly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II this year. Accordingly, the two leaders invited each other to the Russian Victory Day event in May and the Chinese Victory Day event in September, respectively.
President Putin, during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who visited Russia on April 1, expressed his anticipation for President Xi's attendance at the Victory Day event, stating, "He is our most important guest," indicating that this visit was coordinated in advance.
Some have speculated that if North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un were to attend the Victory Day event, there could be a rare gathering of the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia. However, analysts believe the likelihood of this is low.
According to reports, the National Intelligence Service stated at a closed-door briefing to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee on April 30 that "it is highly likely that another high-ranking official, such as Choe Ryong Hae, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, will attend in place of Chairman Kim Jong Un."
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