Putin's First Foreign Trip Signals Commitment to Sino-Russian Relations

Islamabad - 14 May 2024 (Adnan Hameed) : The Kremlin announced today that Russian President Vladimir Putin will embark on a state visit to China on May 16-17, 2024. This significant visit marks President Putin's first foreign trip following the commencement of his new six-year term, underscoring the enduring and deepening partnership between Russia and China. At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Putin, aged 71, will engage in a series of high-level meetings and events aimed at further solidifying the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Notably, the visit coincides with a gala evening commemorating 75 years since the Soviet Union's recognition of the People's Republic of China, a pivotal moment in the history of Sino-Russian relations. The strategic partnership between Russia and China, characterized by its "no limits" nature, was reaffirmed in February 2022 during President Putin's visit to Beijing. Despite geopolitical challenges, the relationship has continued to thrive, with bilateral trade reaching a record $240.1 billion in 2023, showcasing a 26.3% increase from the previous year. During his visit, President Putin will engage in discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, focusing on enhancing trade and economic cooperation between the two nations. Additionally, President Putin will visit Harbin, a city renowned for its strong historical ties with Russia, further emphasizing the cultural and people-to-people connections between the two countries. The visit comes amidst a shifting global landscape, with the United States framing China as its primary competitor and Russia as a significant nation-state threat. President Putin and President Xi share a common perspective that challenges the Western-centric global order, viewing the West as in decline while championing their own vision for global governance. The Kremlin has indicated that President Putin and President Xi will explore avenues for advancing their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. Key areas of focus include trade, economic collaboration, as well as addressing pressing international and regional issues of mutual concern.