Putins Upcoming China Visit: Strengthening Ties and Commemorating WWII in Asia

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to travel to China in August to participate in a regional summit, hold bilateral discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and take part in events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II in Asia, as announced by the Kremlin on Thursday.

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Putin and Xi—who often refer to each other as «dear friends»—have strengthened their relationship. Just prior to the invasion, the two nations established a «no-limits» strategic partnership.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Putin will be present at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. He is expected to engage in discussions with Xi on September 2 and partake in World War II commemorations in Beijing on September 3.

Xi was the honored guest at Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, which marked 80 years since the defeat of Nazi Germany in Europe.

China observes the conclusion of the war in September, the month when Japan formally surrendered in 1945.