MOSCOW, May 18 – Moscow officials are expressing significant optimism about President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China this week, stating both nations will use the opportunity to strengthen their strategic alliance.
Putin’s visit is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, occurring just days after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his own talks with President Xi Jinping in China.
“We have very serious expectations for this visit,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday.
The relationship between China and Russia, which possesses the world’s largest natural resource reserves, has grown stronger following Western sanctions imposed on Russia over the Ukraine conflict. Officials have described their alliance as having “no limits.”
“We and our Chinese friends refer to it as a particularly privileged and strategic partnership,” Peskov explained.
According to Peskov, Putin’s delegation will feature several deputy prime ministers, cabinet officials, and business executives.
When questioned about potential discussions regarding the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline – a project that could eventually transport an additional 50 billion cubic metres annually from Russia’s Arctic gas reserves through Mongolia to China – Peskov indicated broad economic topics would be covered.
“All issues that are on the economic agenda of our bilateral relations will naturally be addressed,” he stated.
