Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China on a two-day state visit. Chinese President Xi Jinping met him at the Great Hall of the People. Then they proceeded inside, where Russian-Chinese negotiations began: first in a narrow format, then in an expanded format.

The Kremlin website reports that during the negotiations, issues of extensive partnership and strategic interaction were discussed, as well as an exchange of views on current international and regional issues. Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of partnership with China in the trade and economic sphere, noting the growth in trade turnover to 227 billion USD in 2023. Russia has become China's fourth trading partner by the end of 2023.

This is Vladimir Putin's first trip abroad since the beginning of his new presidential term. The Russian president's plane landed at Beijing airport late in the evening of May 15. The visit will last on May 16 and 17. The head of the

Russian Ministry of Defense Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov and other officials will also participate in the negotiations. In addition, an informal dinner between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping is planned.