2024 visit by Vladimir Putin to China

Russian President Vladimir Putin paid an official visit to China in May 2024. The visit was his first foreign visit after assuming office for the fifth term. The visit underscored the deepening partnership between Russia and China.^[1][2][3][4] The visit also coincided with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia.

The purpose of the visit is to deepen the strategic partnership between Russia and China. Putin's choice of China as his first foreign visit after officially taking office shows the importance he and the Russian government attach to promoting Sino-Russian relations.^[5][6]

During the visit, Putin met with Chinese President and General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping.^[5][6] They discussed their "key partnerships and strategic cooperation" and "the most pressing international and regional issues". They were expected to sign a dozen joint documents, including a joint declaration. Putin also met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Vice President Han Zheng.^[7]

The visit resulted in the announcement of a "new era" partnership.^[8] Putin and Xi saw Western efforts to spread democracy as attempts to delegitimize them and believed that authoritarian regimes were better suited to meet the challenges of the modern world.^[9]

The visit drew international attention because of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Western leaders have called on Beijing to not support Moscow in its war.^[9][10]

• 2023 visit by Xi Jinping to Russia
• China–Russia relations
• China and the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• List of international trips made by Vladimir Putin
• 2025 state visit by Xi Jinping to Russia