The Kremlin revealed on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China "soon," coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump's three-day state visit to Beijing.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, during his daily press briefing, confirmed that plans for the visit are finalized: "We can say the arrangements are complete; we are just finalizing the details. It will happen shortly."
Peking has become the focal point of global diplomacy, with the two major powers, rivals to Washington, visiting China within a short span.
Trump's Historic Visit to Beijing
President Trump's visit to China, spanning from May 13 to 15, marks the first by a sitting U.S. president since 2017. The focus is on trade negotiations following months of tariff disputes.
Washington had imposed tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate with equivalent measures, straining bilateral relations prior to this summit.
On Thursday, Trump and Xi Jinping engaged in a bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People, followed by a state banquet and a visit to the Temple of Heaven.
Trump described the meeting as "probably the greatest summit ever" and expressed optimism that the relationship between the two countries "will be better than ever."
Putin's Anticipated Visit
President Putin's forthcoming visit traces back to a formal invitation from Xi Jinping on February 4, 2026, during a videoconference marking the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Beijing on April 15 to lay the groundwork and was received by Xi himself, underscoring the high-level bilateral ties.
Putin indicated on May 9 that the visit will involve "serious and substantial" cooperation in oil and gas, suggesting significant energy agreements will headline the agenda.
Xi Jinping's Central Role
The sequence of visits—Trump first, then Putin—is unprecedented, marking the first time U.S. and Russian leaders make back-to-back bilateral visits to the same country in the same month outside a multilateral setting.
This timing positions Xi Jinping as the pivotal diplomatic figure in the current global geopolitical landscape, hosting the two most influential leaders on consecutive days.
Speculation surrounds a potential trilateral meeting involving Trump, Putin, and Xi on September 3, 2026, to coincide with China's parade for the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II. However, no government has confirmed this possibility.
Key Insights on Putin and Trump's Visits to China
Why is Putin visiting China?
Putin is visiting China to strengthen bilateral ties and advance cooperation in oil and gas, as highlighted by the anticipation of significant energy agreements.
What is the significance of Trump's visit to Beijing?
Trump's visit is crucial for trade negotiations following a period of intense tariff disputes with China, aiming to improve economic relations.
What are the potential outcomes of these diplomatic visits?
The visits may lead to enhanced cooperation on economic and energy issues, potentially easing tensions between the involved nations.