Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is scheduled to visit China on Monday and Tuesday to hold discussions focusing on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the strengthening relationship between Moscow and Beijing.
During his visit, Lavrov, invited by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will engage in talks covering bilateral cooperation and pressing global issues, including the crisis in Ukraine and matters related to the Asia-Pacific region, as announced by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
This visit comes amidst reports by Reuters that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in China this May, potentially marking Putin’s first international trip since beginning his new presidential term.
The meeting between the leaders of Russia and China is anticipated following their declaration of a “no limits” partnership in February 2022, just before the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, which has become the deadliest land conflict in Europe since World War II.
The partnership between China and Russia has not only been strategic but also economic, with trade between the two countries reaching a record $240.1 billion in 2023, showcasing a significant increase from the previous year, according to data from Chinese customs.
This increase in trade comes at a time when trade between China and the United States has seen a decrease, highlighting the shifting dynamics on the global stage.
Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, China released a 12-point position paper in 2023 outlining its stance on resolving the crisis, a proposal Russia deemed reasonable.
Meanwhile, efforts for peace have been met with challenges.
A peace summit requested by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to take place in Switzerland, focusing on a peace formula demanding a full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.
However, suggestions for a ceasefire and peace talks have faced rejection and skepticism from various parties.
The United States dismissed Putin’s ceasefire proposal, and Russia criticized Zelenskiy’s peace conditions as unrealistic.
Moscow insists that any resolution must recognize its control over parts of Ukraine and necessitate a broader agreement on European security, while Ukraine remains steadfast in its goal to reclaim all territory occupied by Russian forces.