Putin to Visit China on May 19-20, Hot on the Heels of Trump’s Beijing Summit
May 16, 2026 | Burma Independent Voice
Shortly after the conclusion of U.S. President Donald Trump’s summit in Beijing, the Kremlin announced on Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will embark on a two-day official visit to China starting May 19.
According to the Kremlin statement, the Russian President will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss ways to “further strengthen the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation” between Moscow and Beijing.
The two leaders are expected to “exchange views on key international and regional issues” and will sign a joint declaration following their talks. As part of the itinerary, Putin is also scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to review bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
The announcement of Putin’s trip comes just days after President Trump concluded his high-profile visit to Beijing on Friday. Despite the lavish reception granted to Trump, unresolved trade disputes and structural tensions remain, alongside differing stances on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
While China consistently calls for peace talks to end the war in Ukraine and portrays itself as a neutral party, it has never officially condemned Russia’s invasion. Beijing has continuously denied Western allegations that it supplies weapons and military components to Russia’s defense sector, countering that Western arms shipments to Ukraine are what actually prolong the conflict.
Currently, China remains the world’s largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, serving as a vital economic lifeline for Moscow amidst sweeping Western economic sanctions.
