Vladimir Putin to host Xi Jinping as China prepares for Ukraine war intervention

China’s President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Russia next week to discuss the Ukraine conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“During the talks, they will discuss topical issues of further development of comprehensive partnership relations and strategic cooperation between Russia and China,” the Kremlin said, confirming Putin and Jinping’s meeting.

“A number of important bilateral documents will be signed,” it added.

According to China, the meeting will allow participants to exchange views on major international and regional issues.

The visit is set to take place between March 20 and March 22.

There have been no further details released about the visit, but it is expected that the Ukraine conflict will be heavily discussed.

According to a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, the visit’s goal is to deepen bilateral trust.

In a message posted on Twitter on Friday, ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying added will be a trip “for friendship and peace”.

“China and Russia have been promoting greater democracy in international relations on the basis of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of any third party,” she said.

China would “play a constructive role in promoting peace talks,” she added.

When Putin visited Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics in February 2022, just weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine, the two countries agreed to a “no limits” partnership.

Since then, the two sides have continued to reaffirm the strength of their bonds.

Since the invasion, trade between the two countries has increased dramatically, and China is Russia’s largest buyer of oil, a vital source of revenue for Moscow.