Putin’s Extended China Trip: What It Means | Juheng.com
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Putin to Visit China for SCO Summit and Commemoration of WWII Victory
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China from August 31 to september 3, 2023. The visit includes attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin and participation in events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II in Beijing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China from August 31 to September 3. (Photo: Xinhua News Agency)
Detailed Itinerary and Delegation
According to Yuri Ushakov, Assistant to the President for International Affairs, Putin will lead a substantial delegation to China. Ushakov noted the length of the visit is “rare,” indicating the importance Russia places on the trip.
The delegation accompanying Putin includes three Deputy Prime Ministers, over a dozen ministers, heads of federal departments, and representatives from major Russian enterprises. This large delegation underscores the breadth of issues to be discussed during the visit.
SCO Summit in Tianjin and Bilateral Meetings
During the SCO summit in Tianjin (August 31 - September 1), Putin is scheduled to hold more than ten bilateral meetings. Confirmed meetings include talks with:
- Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
- Ebrahim Raisi, President of Iran
- recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey
- Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia
- Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), Prime Minister of Nepal
beijing Commemoration and Further Bilateral Talks
In Beijing, putin will participate in events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in World War II. He is also expected to hold bilateral talks with:
- Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
Chinese authorities have proposed several transportation options for the journey between Tianjin and Beijing, including high-speed rail. A final decision on the mode of transport is pending.
Strategic Implications and context
Putin’s visit to China occurs against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical competition and Western sanctions against russia. Strengthening ties with China is a key element of Russia’s foreign policy strategy. The SCO provides a platform for Russia and China to coordinate on regional security issues and promote a multipolar world order.
The commemoration of the WWII victory holds symbolic importance for both Russia and China, as both countries suffered significant losses during the conflict and share a common narrative of resistance against Japanese aggression.
| country | Leader | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | Vladimir Putin | President |
| China | Xi Jinping |