On May 16th, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China for a two-day state visit, marking a period of rapidly intensifying relations between the two countries.
Xinhua News Agency reported that President Putin arrived in Beijing early that day. This visit is his first overseas trip since starting his fifth term following his presidential election victory in March. After he visited China, there were speculations of a possible visit to North Korea by President Putin on May 17th and 18th.
The Kremlin previously noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping chose Russia for his first overseas visit after starting his third term in March 2023, framing President Putin’s visit as a reciprocal gesture. Over the past seven years, the two leaders have met more than 40 times, including in Moscow in March and Beijing in October last year, maintaining a close relationship.
Kremlin’s foreign affairs aide, Yuri Ushakov said in an interview with TASS news agency on May 16th, “The most important issue of bilateral diplomatic cooperation is likely to be discussed at the informal meeting held late on the first day, May 16th,” adding that the Ukraine issue will be the main topic of discussion.
Given that this visit is happening just after the U.S. imposed bombshell tariffs on Chinese electric cars and batteries, it seems likely that the two countries will further emphasize their front against the U.S.
After the meeting, President Putin and President Xi will sign several documents including a joint statement, and will also attend the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the opening ceremony of the Year of Culture between the two countries.
Additionally, President Putin will meet with Li Qiang, the Premier of the State Council, to discuss cooperation in trade, economy, and humanitarian fields.
During the visit, President Putin will hold a small-scale meeting with President Xi and a few other attendees, followed by an expanded meeting that includes several ministers. The bilateral negotiations will focus on the development and expansion of trade and economic exchanges. It is also known that they will discuss the most urgent political and regional issues.
This visit is happening right after the U.S. significantly raised tariffs on Chinese electric cars, batteries, and semiconductors, suggesting that the two countries will further highlight their cooperation in jointly responding to U.S.’s actions
On the other hand, Makino Yoshihiro, a visiting professor at Hiroshima University in Japan and a diplomatic correspondent for Asahi Shimbun, said on Radio Free Asia (RFA) on May 15th, “I think there is a possibility that President Putin will visit North Korea on May 17th and 18th after visiting China.”
Professor Makino analyzed, “The Korean Central News Agency reported on May 15th that Kim Jong Un has mass-produced tactical weapon systems, and it seems that Kim is accelerating various weapon productions with a view to trading with Russia.”
He added, “Therefore, I think there is a possibility that President Putin will inspect the satellite launch facility in Dongchang-ri during his visit to North Korea.”
The informal dinner attended by representatives of both sides will include all major ministers from Russia and China. The Kremlin announced that the dinner will follow the 1+4 format, with attendees including Andrei Belousov, the newly appointed Russian Defense Minister; Sergei Shoigu, the newly appointed Secretary of the National Security Council and former Defense Minister; Acting Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov; and Acting Finance Minister Anton Siluanov.
In China, it is expected that Cai Qi, the secretary of the Central Secretariat of the Communist Party of China and head of the security line, Wang Yi, the head of the Central Foreign Affairs Office (also the foreign minister), Defense Minister Dong Jun, and Finance Minister Lan Fo’an will attend.
On the second day of his visit, May 17th, President Putin will attend the opening ceremony of the 8th China-Russia Expo and the 4th China-Russia Regional Cooperation Forum in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, and will also visit the Harbin Institute of Technology. A meeting with the Kremlin press corps is also planned.
He is accompanied by five deputy prime ministers and chiefs in charge of the economy foreign affairs and security. Representatives from the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Russian Railways, Rosatom, the largest nuclear company in Russia, the Russian Federal Space Agency, and leaders of 20 Russian regions also joined the delegation.
The Kremlin announced that the summit agenda will include the situation in the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Ukraine issue. They will also discuss the connection between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and China’s One Belt, One Road initiative, cooperation within international organizations and BRICS (a 10-country consultative body including Brazil and India), and energy cooperation.
