DST News: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold extensive discussions on major global and regional issues during Putin’s official visit to Beijing on May 20.
The meeting marks their second interaction this year following a video conference held on February 4, and their first face-to-face talks in 2026. The visit also carries symbolic significance as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the landmark Russia-China Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, as well as the 30th anniversary of the establishment of their strategic partnership for the 21st century.
Putin arrived in Beijing at the invitation of Xi Jinping for a high-level visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding strategic coordination between the two nations.
According to the official program, the two leaders will engage in talks in both restricted and extended formats, addressing a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international matters. The visit is expected to produce a large package of agreements involving government agencies, ministries, and corporations. Among the key documents to be signed is a Joint Statement on deepening comprehensive partnership, strategic cooperation, and long-term friendship between Russia and China.
Earlier, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov stated that nearly 40 documents are expected to be finalized during the visit, with 21 agreements to be signed in the presence of the two presidents.
As part of the visit, Putin and Xi will attend the opening ceremony of the Russia-China Cross-Cultural Education Years for 2026–2027 and visit a joint exhibition organized by TASS and Xinhua highlighting the historical development of relations between the two countries.
Putin is also scheduled to meet Peng Pai, a Chinese engineer whose childhood encounter with the Russian president during a 2000 visit to Beijing inspired him to pursue higher education in Russia. Peng later studied at the Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State Technical University and adopted the Russian nickname “Pasha.”
Later in the evening, Putin will hold separate discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang focusing on practical cooperation and economic collaboration. The day will conclude with a formal reception celebrating the anniversaries of the bilateral treaty and strategic partnership, attended by representatives from business, academia, media, and public organizations from both countries.
The final event of the visit will be a private meeting between Putin and Xi in a limited format, where the leaders are expected to exchange views on the most pressing international issues. According to Ushakov, these informal discussions traditionally take place “over tea” and often become the most significant part of the Russian president’s diplomatic agenda.
Source: TASS (Russian News Agency)
