According to sources, Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to visit Russia next week for a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
The proposed trip comes as China has offered to mediate the conflict in Ukraine, an initiative that has been met with skepticism in the West due to China’s diplomatic support for Russia.
On January 30th, Russia’s Tass news agency claimed that Putin had invited Xi to visit in the spring. Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that a trip to Moscow was possible in late April or early May.
The Kremlin refused to comment, and the Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility of Xi visiting Moscow.
At this time, additional information is unavailable.
Due to the delicate nature of the situation, the sources briefed on the matter have asked not to be named.
When Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Russia last month, Putin hosted him as a sign that Xi would also visit Russia.
In February of 2022, when Putin was in Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics, weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine, China and Russia struck a “no limits” partnership and have repeatedly reaffirmed the strength of their ties since then.
Since taking office, Xi has met with Putin on 39 separate occasions, most recently in September at a summit in central Asia.
On Monday, Xi Jinping concluded the annual session of the National People’s Congress, China’s parliament, where he was confirmed for a historic third term as president.
