Putin to meet Xi for high-level talks during four-day China trip
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin will travel to China for a four-day visit next week, reports Russian media.
Pro-Kremlin commentator Pavel Zarubin said large-scale talks are planned during the visit, though the topics have not been disclosed.
"Vladimir Putin will go on a four-day visit to China. Large-scale negotiations between the Russian and Chinese delegations are planned," Russian outlets quoted Zarubin as saying.
Putin is also expected to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, scheduled for August 31 to September 1.
China's Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin earlier said the summit will bring together heads of state, government delegations from more than 20 countries, and representatives of 10 international organizations.
RT reported that Chinese leader Xi Jinping will also hold meetings with foreign leaders and international officials on the banks of the Hai River.
Putin–Xi meeting
In July, The Times reported that Xi wanted to arrange a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Putin. According to the report, Xi planned to invite Trump to a September parade in China marking the end of World War II. Putin, who had already accepted the invitation, was also expected to attend.
The Kremlin later denied the report. Putin's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was unaware of any preparations for a trilateral meeting.
Xi and Putin last met in May, when the Chinese leader traveled to Moscow for Russia's May 9 Victory Day commemorations. His visit lasted several days.
