Kremlin announces upcoming visit of Vladimir Putin to China

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to China have been completed. This announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump visits Beijing to hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. When asked about potential coordination between Moscow and Beijing regarding the Trump-Xi talks, the Kremlin stated that Russia expects its own separate contacts with the Chinese leader. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have held over 40 meetings to date, including a significant summit in September. Their cooperation is underpinned by a "no limits" strategic partnership agreement signed in February 2022, shortly before the start of the conflict in Ukraine. Separately, President Trump reported that President Xi agreed to provide assistance regarding Iran. The timing of the Kremlin's statement highlights Russia's ongoing diplomatic focus on its relationship with China amid international geopolitical developments.