Russia has announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit from 7 to 10 May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany alongside his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, during which Moscow is proposing a brief ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict.
This visit underscores the alliance between Russia and China and occurs amidst an intense trade confrontation between Beijing and Washington.
The Russian presidency stated that Xi Jinping will also engage in bilateral discussions concerning the “development of comprehensive partnership relations and strategic interaction” and “current issues on the international and regional agenda.”
The Kremlin added that a series of bilateral agreements between the Russian and Chinese governments and ministries are expected to be signed.
On Sunday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the historical and strategic ties between the two countries in comments broadcast on Chinese television, adding that Xi Jinping will hold talks with Putin amidst “profound adjustments in the international order.”
The spokesperson noted that China and Russia will strengthen their close collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and BRICS, and will aim to lead global governance in the right direction.
According to the spokesperson, Moscow and Beijing will also oppose “unilateralism and acts of intimidation” and promote a “multi-polar equal world” and “inclusive economic globalisation.”
These remarks allude to the trade war initiated by Donald Trump’s US administration against China.
Washington has imposed a 145% surtax on numerous Chinese products since April, to which Beijing responded by imposing 125% tariffs on US imports.
