Xi jinping to⁤ Visit Russia Amid Deepening bilateral Ties

BEIJING ⁤(AP) — ‍China and Russia’s relationship continues to demonstrate resilience and dynamism‍ amid⁢ growing global uncertainties, including increasing trade protectionism and ⁢unilateralism.Bilateral trade between the two ⁤nations reached a record $244.8 billion in 2024,a⁣ 1.9%⁣ increase over the previous year, underscoring the strength of their strategic partnership.

President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Russia from May 7-10 ⁣at the invitation of⁤ Russian President Vladimir Putin,⁢ China announced Sunday. ⁣Xi is expected to participate in celebrations marking ⁤the 80th anniversary⁤ of victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow. The‍ visit⁢ is ⁤anticipated to highlight the critical role of “head-of-state diplomacy” in advancing the extensive strategic partnership between China and Russia in a new ⁢era.

Strategic Leadership as a Cornerstone

Over the past decade, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have met more than 40 times at various bilateral and multilateral events. These frequent, open, and strategic exchanges have ‍become a cornerstone of the stable and increasingly developed relationship between China and Russia.

xi selected Russia as the ⁢destination for his‍ first state visit⁤ as Chinese head of state in 2013, initiating a new ⁤phase of bilateral relations⁢ based on equality, mutual trust and support, common prosperity,⁢ and enduring friendship.

During Xi’s visit to Moscow in June 2019, the two leaders‍ agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, opening a new chapter in Sino-Russian relations.

Following⁢ his re-election as Chinese president in March 2023, Xi Jinping again chose Russia for his first state visit. Similarly,after Putin’s re-election as President of the Russian Federation in May 2024,he chose China for‍ his first foreign visit,emphasizing the deep personal relationship and strategic trust between ⁢the two leaders.

Putin⁣ has described his meetings⁢ with Xi as “not⁣ only dialogues between old friends but also productive discussions about bilateral⁣ and global ⁢topics,” noting Xi’s “respectful, friendly, ⁤open and business style.”

Zhang Hanhui, the Chinese ambassador to Russia, stated in an⁢ article published in Russian media that the leadership of ⁣the two‍ heads of state is a essential guarantee for maintaining⁣ the high level of Chinese-russian relations.

Navigating Global Uncertainty⁢ with Bilateral Stability

At the begining ⁢of 2025, Xi⁢ and Putin held a virtual meeting to⁣ outline ⁣their objectives for ⁤the year. They committed to deepening strategic ⁤cooperation, promoting national ⁤advancement and revitalization, and jointly safeguarding ⁣international fairness and justice.

Xi expressed⁢ his willingness to work with Putin to elevate bilateral relations⁣ to new ⁤heights, urging both sides to⁢ counter⁤ external uncertainties with the stability and resilience of Chinese-Russian ties.

According to Ma⁤ Youjun,an expert at the Academy of Social Sciences in Heilongjiang Province,the relationship between ⁣China and Russia has become⁢ increasingly mature,dynamic,and resilient due to the diplomacy of‍ the heads of state. This has not only revitalized the⁢ partnership‍ between the two countries but also enhanced stability in the international landscape.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence ⁤that Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit ⁢will lead to deeper mutual political trust, increased strategic coordination, and expanded practical cooperation between the two sides.

The ministry stated that the “vital common agreements between ‍the two presidents will bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples and inject more stability and positive‍ energy into the international community.”