Russian President Vladimir Putin will undertake an official visit to China on May 19–20, 2026, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation, underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing.
During the two-day trip, Putin and Xi are expected to sign a joint declaration and several bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening economic, energy, and security cooperation. The leaders will also launch the Russia–China Years of Education (2026–2027), highlighting cultural and academic exchanges.
Putin will meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss trade and investment, with particular focus on expanding energy exports and increasing settlements in rubles and yuan. Bilateral trade between Russia and China reached nearly $240 billion in 2025, making China Russia’s largest trading partner.
The visit comes shortly after US President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing, placing China at the center of global diplomatic balancing between Washington and Moscow. Analysts note that the timing reflects Beijing’s effort to maintain strong ties with both powers while promoting a multipolar world order.
Putin and Xi have met more than 40 times, often referring to each other as “friends,” a personal rapport that has reinforced the political and economic alignment of their nations. The Kremlin has framed the visit as a step toward building a new global framework independent of Western influence.
Observers say the visit will be closely watched by the international community, as it highlights Russia’s reliance on China amid ongoing Western sanctions and China’s role as a pivotal player in global geopolitics.
