Vladimir Putin plans to visit China next week. According to media reports, the visit will take place just a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump's trip to Beijing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin may travel to China on May 20. This was reported by the South China Morning Post, citing sources.
According to the publication, the trip will last only one day and will take place without large-scale ceremonies or military parades.
Nevertheless, the timing of the visit appears symbolic: Putin is set to arrive in Beijing just a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump's visit there.
In fact, China is currently becoming the main stage for diplomatic rivalry between the world's major powers.
The trip is expected to be Putin's first foreign trip in 2026.
Since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, relations between Moscow and Beijing have significantly strengthened. China has become one of Russia's most important economic partners, particularly in energy and trade. Beijing continues to purchase Russian oil, while Western countries have repeatedly accused China of supplying dual-use goods that could be used in military applications.
At the same time, China officially strives to maintain a position of formal neutrality in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
In April, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the "stability" of relations between the two countries during a meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister and promised to strengthen coordination.
In early May, Putin also stated that Moscow and Beijing agreed to continue deepening cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, the Russian leader spoke of plans to discuss joint projects in nuclear energy with China.
Although the upcoming visit is referred to as a "working" trip and without much public pomp, the meeting itself could send an important signal against the backdrop of the growing confrontation between the U.S., China, and Russia.
Especially considering that Washington has been increasing pressure on both Moscow and Beijing in recent months.
Currently, global political attention is increasingly shifting toward Chinese diplomacy — and the upcoming visits of Trump and Putin only underscore this trend.
