Russian President Vladimir Putin Arrives in Beijing for State Visit to China

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on the evening of May 19, 2026, for a two-day state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He was greeted at the airport by Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Putin is scheduled to hold talks with President Xi on May 20, during which the two leaders are expected to exchange views on the development of bilateral relations, cooperation across various fields, and international and regional issues of common concern.

According to Russia’s TASS news agency and Kremlin statements, the visit will cover a wide range of bilateral topics, including economic cooperation, as well as key international affairs. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia-China relations encompass numerous areas such as humanitarian exchanges, education, and high-tech collaboration.

The Russian delegation is notably high-level, including several deputy prime ministers, ministers, and heads of major state-owned enterprises from sectors including energy, industry, transport, and finance. The two sides are expected to sign around 40 documents, covering government-to-government agreements, inter-agency pacts, and commercial deals in areas such as industry, trade, transportation, construction, innovation, education, film production, nuclear energy, and cooperation between news agencies.

In a video address released before his departure, Putin expressed delight at being invited by Xi for another visit to China. He described regular mutual visits and summit meetings between the two leaders as an essential part of comprehensively developing Russia-China relations and unlocking their “truly unlimited potential.” Putin also reiterated that bilateral ties have reached an unprecedented level.

This marks Putin’s 25th visit to China and comes amid the 25th anniversary of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, as well as the 30th anniversary of strategic partnership ties. It follows closely after U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Beijing earlier in May.

The visit underscores the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing, with both sides seeking to strengthen trade, energy ties, technological cooperation, and coordination on global issues.