Putin to Visit China Next Month, Deepening Russia-China Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit China in October for talks with President Xi Jinping, their first face-to-face meeting since the start of the war in Ukraine. The visit comes as Russia and China are seeking to deepen their ties in the face of Western sanctions.

During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, Putin recalled his meeting with Xi earlier this year, saying that it had facilitated the further development of Russia-China cooperation. He also praised the "no limits" partnership between the two countries.

The upcoming visit is expected to focus on a range of issues, including trade, energy, and security. Russia and China are already major trading partners, and they are also working together on joint energy projects, such as the Power of Siberia gas pipeline. In terms of security, the two countries have been conducting joint military exercises and have pledged to support each other in the face of Western pressure.

The visit is also likely to be seen as a sign of Russia's growing isolation from the West. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia has been hit with a wave of sanctions, and many Western countries have severed ties with the country. In contrast, China has maintained its support for Russia, and the two countries have been working to strengthen their economic and security ties.

The visit is likely to be closely watched by the international community, as it will signal the direction of Russia-China relations in the years to come.