Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This meeting will be the second meeting between the two leaders this year after the online consultation on February 4 and the first direct talks between the two leaders in 2026.
According to the schedule, the two leaders are expected to hold talks both in a narrow and expanded format, exchanging many bilateral and international issues. According to TASS, the visit is expected to lead to an important package of agreements between governments, ministries and businesses, including a joint statement on further strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, as well as deepening the good, friendly and cooperative neighborly relations.
Previously, Russian Presidential Assistant Yury Ushakov said that the two countries are expected to sign about 40 documents, of which 21 documents will be signed in the presence of the two leaders.
Mr. Putin and Mr. Xi Jinping will attend the launching ceremony of the year of education and cultural exchange (2026-2027) and visit the TASS-Xinhua joint exhibition on the history of Russia-China relations.
During the visit, Mr. Putin is also expected to meet Peng Pai - a 36-year-old Chinese engineer who waved to the Russian President in 2000 during a visit to Beihai Park in Beijing and took photos with Mr. Putin.
On the evening of May 20, President Vladimir Putin will have a separate meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, focusing on substantive cooperation. Next will be a solemn reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Neighborhood and Friendship Treaty and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic cooperation roadmap, with the wide participation of business representatives, academics, media and the public from both countries.
The Russian President's visit to China will end with a private meeting between the two heads of state with a limited number of participants. According to Mr. Ushakov, this meeting will become an important event in the working program of the Russian President, because the most important international issues are often discussed "during tea breaks". Only 4 representatives from each side were invited to attend this meeting.
