Putin to Visit China on May 19-20... Just Four Days After Trump’s Trip (Comprehensive)

Visit to China Immediately After U.S.-China Summit
25th Anniversary of Russia-China Friendship Treaty
Strengthening Strategic Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a state visit to China for two days starting May 19. The visit, which comes immediately after the U.S.-China summit, has drawn attention as Russia and China have also announced plans to issue a joint statement and sign agreements, signaling a further strengthening of their ties.

The Kremlin announced on May 16 (local time) that President Putin will visit China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also officially confirmed that this visit will be a "state visit." The Kremlin explained that the visit was arranged to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the signing of the "Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation," which is considered the foundation of the bilateral relationship. During his stay, President Putin will also meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss measures to enhance trade and economic cooperation.

On the 3rd of 2024 (local time), Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) is shaking hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Astana, Kazakhstan. The two leaders visited Kazakhstan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

President Putin is scheduled to hold a summit with President Xi, where they will discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address key issues. The focus is expected to be on further expanding the strategic partnership between Russia and China. The two leaders will also attend commemorative events for the "Year of Russia and China" (2026–2027) together. After the summit, a joint statement will be issued and bilateral government agreements will be signed.

Previously, Hong Kong media outlet SCMP reported that President Putin would visit China for a one-day trip on May 20, but it has now been confirmed as a two-day state visit, raising the level of diplomatic protocol. In diplomatic circles, there is speculation that the welcoming ceremony and summit will be conducted in a similar manner to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent visit to China.

This visit is attracting even more attention as it will take place only four days after U.S. President Donald Trump completed his visit to China. During the two-night, three-day summit held from May 13 to 15, President Trump and President Xi discussed issues including Iran, Taiwan, and the U.S.-China trade conflict, but no agreements were announced.

The last face-to-face meeting between President Putin and President Xi was at the 80th anniversary military parade commemorating Victory Day in Beijing in September last year. At that time, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also appeared on the Tiananmen rostrum with them, publicly demonstrating the cooperation among North Korea, China, and Russia.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.