Russia expects Chinese leader’s visit in 2025

Russian ambassador to China Igor Morgulov has said that China's President Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia in 2025.

"As for concrete bilateral events, I can say that the appropriate plans are actively being drawn up," the ambassador said, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"What can be said that is no secret, in terms of priority, is that the chairman of the People's Republic of China is expected in Russia next year."

During a regular press conference, China's foreign ministry did not confirm the visit but emphasised that the two countries continued maintaining close contacts at all levels. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China in February 2022, declaring a "no limits" partnership just days before launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He returned to Beijing in May 2023, following his re-election, marking the beginning of a "new era" in relations focused on opposing US policy.

In 2023, Xi Jinping was warmly received in the Kremlin as a "dear friend" after securing an unprecedented third term in office. Morgulov noted that China, which has refrained from condemning Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, understands the roots of the conflict, noting that both countries face similar challenges.

He mentioned that the US and its allies are increasing pressure on China in the Asia-Pacific region, with NATO planning to expand its military infrastructure there. Russia and China, he said, must respond to US policies together.

"In the international arena, it is up to our countries to respond further with a 'dual counter-action' to the 'dual deterrence' which the West is trying to pursue with regard to Russia and China," he said. 

China, in collaboration with Brazil, has proposed a peace plan to resolve the Ukraine war, advocating for a freeze in the front lines while considering the security concerns of both parties.

Russia has expressed support for the initiative. Ukraine, which has put forward its own proposals to end the conflict—most recently seeking NATO membership—has rejected the China-Brazil plan, viewing it as aligned with Moscow's interests.

Xi Jinping has recently stated that the relationship between China and Russia has become an example of successful cooperation between major neighbouring powers over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. The Chinese leader expressed confidence that Moscow and Beijing will continue deepening political interaction and expand practical cooperation across all sectors.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a combined live Q&A session and press conference, sent his regards to Chinese President Xi Jinping, referring to him as his friend.

By Naila Huseynova