Russia is entering President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled two-day visit to China on Tuesday and Wednesday with elevated expectations, the Kremlin said on Monday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized the ties between Moscow and Beijing as a "particularly privileged and strategic partnership," indicating the visit is intended to deepen cooperation between the two governments.
The visit arrives less than a week after U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to China for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Kremlin officials said Putin’s trip will be used to further develop the bilateral partnership between Russia and China.
Peskov noted that the Russian delegation traveling with the president will be sizable and will include deputy prime ministers, government ministers, and heads of companies. The composition of the delegation signals a focus on both high-level political dialogue and economic engagement.
Since Western sanctions were imposed on Russia following the war in Ukraine, the relationship with China has strengthened, according to the Kremlin’s framing. The statement also highlighted an economic dimension to the ties, pointing to Russia’s role as a major global producer of natural resources.
When reporters asked whether the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline would be discussed during the visit, Peskov responded that all economic issues on the bilateral agenda would be addressed. The prospective pipeline project referenced could deliver 50 billion cubic meters per year from Russia’s Arctic gas fields through Mongolia to China, according to the characterization used in the discussion.
Beyond the core diplomatic meetings, the delegation mix and the Kremlin’s language suggest officials intend to cover a range of economic topics. Peskov’s remarks framed the trip as an opportunity to advance the partnership across both political and commercial dimensions, while stopping short of detailing specific agreements or outcomes.
The Kremlin’s public statements emphasize strong expectations for tangible progress but do not specify which items will be finalized or how discussions will resolve open economic questions. The visit will therefore be closely watched for signals on energy cooperation and other commercial arrangements between Moscow and Beijing.