On May 16, the Kremlin announced that President Vladimir Putin will visit China from May 19 to 20 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The Kremlin stated, "This visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two countries." Chinese state media Xinhua also reported, citing the foreign ministry, that President Putin will make a state visit to China during this period.
According to Russian sources, President Putin plans to hold talks with President Xi to discuss bilateral issues, enhance their comprehensive partnership, and address major international and regional matters. Additionally, he is expected to meet separately with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss economic and trade cooperation.
Putin’s visit comes just four days after President Trump concluded his trip to China on May 15. The South China Morning Post reported that the series of summits amid ongoing global uncertainties, including the Ukraine conflict and tensions in Iran, reflects China’s efforts to maintain relations with both the US and Russia.
Russia is closely monitoring potential changes in US-China relations. Shanghai International Studies University scholar Shen Dingli told Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao, "While President Putin does not need to directly assess the outcomes of the US-China summit, his visit to China indicates Russia's significant interest and concern regarding possible shifts in US-China relations."
Following Putin, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, known for his pro-China and pro-Russia stance, has also announced a visit to China. According to TASS, President Vučić stated, "I understand that President Putin will visit China on May 19 and 20, as already announced, and a few days later, we will visit China to meet with President Xi."
Serbia is recognized as a prominent pro-China country in Europe, actively participating in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and pursuing infrastructure projects such as power plants and railways. While expressing a desire to join the European Union (EU), President Vučić continues to strengthen ties with Russia.
Takaiichi Heads to South Korea
During the same period as Putin’s visit to China, a South Korea-Japan summit is also set to take place. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi will visit Andong, the hometown of President Lee Jae-myung, from May 19 to 20 for a two-day summit. This visit is a reciprocal trip following President Lee’s visit to Takaiichi’s hometown in Nara Prefecture in January.
On the first day, May 19, the two leaders will engage in a small group and expanded summit, hold a joint press conference, and share a dinner, along with additional social activities. They are expected to discuss practical cooperation in areas directly affecting people's lives, including the development of South Korea-Japan relations, economic issues, social matters, and public safety.
Prior to this, Takaiichi spoke with President Trump on May 15 after his visit to China. According to Kyodo News and NHK, Takaiichi reported that she had a 15-minute phone call with Trump, during which he provided detailed insights about his trip to China.
Takaiichi stated, "We exchanged views on various issues surrounding China, including economic security, and discussed the situation in Iran. We confirmed our commitment to maintaining close communication between Japan and the US."
Japan's relations with China have rapidly cooled since Takaiichi’s remarks on Taiwan last November, effectively engaging in an economic conflict with China. Amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, Takaiichi is expected to seek a breakthrough through shuttle diplomacy with President Lee.
Meanwhile, The Hill, a US political news outlet, assessed that the recent US-China summit did not produce clear breakthroughs on key issues such as Iran and trade. Notably, the Chinese side barely mentioned the Iran issue in its official statements, while tensions over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the Taiwan issue remain unresolved.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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