Putin's Big China Visit: What's on the Agenda?

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a four-day trip to China, marking one of his longest stays abroad in recent times. His itinerary is packed with high-level meetings and significant events.

Key Highlights of the Trip

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin

• Focus: Security and regional cooperation.
• Participants: Includes key nations like India, Iran, and Turkey.

Beijing Itinerary

• Meetings: Further discussions with Chinese officials.
• Military Parade: Putin will attend the Tiananmen Square parade commemorating the end of World War II.
• Seating Arrangement: Putin as the "main guest," seated next to Chinese President Xi Jinping, with North Korea's Kim Jong-Un on Xi's other side.
• Other Attendees: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

Trade and Strategic Discussions

• Trade Decline: Russia-China trade has dropped from record highs during the Ukraine war.
• Gazprom Deal: Plans to sign important documents, though details remain undisclosed.
• Delegation: Putin is accompanied by top officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
• Topics: Trade, security, and other strategic interests.