Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to meet with Russian leaders in Moscow during a four-day trip to Russia and Belarus. This visit comes as China continues to strengthen its ties with Russia despite Western criticism amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Li, the second-highest official in China under President Xi Jinping, will engage in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to enhance cooperation and strategic relations between China and Russia.
Upon his arrival in Moscow, Li expressed satisfaction with the robust relationship between the two countries, emphasizing the deep political trust, fruitful cooperation, and effective international coordination that exists between China and Russia.
This visit marks the first high-level visit to Russia by a Chinese official since Ukrainian forces entered the Russian border region of Kursk, prompting Russia to respond to the incursion.
China has urged all parties involved in the conflict not to escalate the situation further and has reiterated its commitment to seeking a political resolution to the crisis in Ukraine.
Despite facing pressure from the West to limit exports to Russia, China has positioned itself as a neutral party in the conflict, aiming to facilitate peace talks while maintaining strong ties with Moscow.
The meeting between Li and Mishustin is part of an annual dialogue that has been ongoing since 1996, focusing on enhancing practical cooperation in line with the directives of Xi and Putin.
Trade between China and Russia reached record levels last year, exceeding $240 billion ahead of schedule. Russia has increasingly relied on China for market access, goods, and investments following international sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine.
During his trip, Li is also expected to visit Belarus to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation with Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko.
