China outlines topics for talks with Putin: Is Ukraine among them?
Photo: Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
During the upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China, the two sides plan to discuss cooperation and international issues of mutual interest, according to Global Times.
Spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guo Jiakun stated that the upcoming trip will be Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 25th visit to China.
According to him, during the meeting, the leaders of China and Russia plan to discuss bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, as well as international and regional issues.
Beijing noted that the talks will focus on topics of "common interest" to both countries.
At the same time, Ukraine was not directly mentioned by the Chinese side.
Kremlin expectations
According to Reuters, Russia has high expectations for Putin’s visit to China.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described relations between Moscow and Beijing as a "special privileged and strategic partnership."
"We have very serious expectations for this visit," he said.
He added that the Russian delegation will include deputy prime ministers, ministers, and heads of major companies.
Peskov was also asked about a possible discussion of the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline project, which is intended to connect Russia’s Arctic deposits with China via Mongolia.
He responded that during the talks, the sides will consider all issues on the economic agenda of bilateral relations.
The media previously reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to visit China on May 20. The trip is expected to take place just days after the summit between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Beijing.
According to the South China Morning Post, Putin will stay in China for one day, and the visit is described as part of "routine contacts" between Moscow and Beijing.
