Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to arrive in Russia for an official visit from May 7–10, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin confirmed. The trip will coincide with the annual Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9, a symbolic occasion that marks the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany.
Xi and Putin are expected to sign several bilateral agreements and discuss the further development of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction relations during the visit. The talks will also cover various international and regional issues, underscoring the growing diplomatic and economic engagement between China and Russia.
The visit marks Xi’s third visit to Russia since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. China, while maintaining its neutral stance, has echoed some of Russia’s claims that the West provoked the war. The country has also continued supplying key components used by Moscow for weapons production.
Xi’s last visit to Russia was in September 2024 during the BRICS summit. Earlier, he had paid a state visit in March 2023, followed by Putin’s return to China in October of the same year. The two leaders also met in Beijing in May 2024 and again in Kazakhstan, reflecting the frequency and consistency of their high-level interactions.
With the intensifying of Western sanctions on Russia, Moscow now leans heavily on its ties with Beijing. China has played a significant role in helping the redirection of Russia’s energy exports and obtaining high-tech components that are essential for its military industries. As Russia’s access to global markets has shrunk, Chinese companies have become crucial trade partners.
In the meantime, the upcoming Victory Day celebrations are taking place amid high tensions, with Moscow having accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of endangering foreign dignitaries by rejecting a proposed 72-hour ceasefire. Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine could not ensure the safety of international officials planning to attend the events in Russia, instead warning of potential provocations staged to frame Ukraine.
Nevertheless, Xi’s participation in this year’s Victory Day underscores Beijing’s ongoing engagement with Moscow, even as the broader geopolitical landscape remains highly volatile.
