China confirms Xi Jinping will make ‘visit of friendship, cooperation and peace’ to Russia as speculation over Ukraine role mounts

Beijing says the Chinese leader will meet Vladimir Putin to discuss a blueprint for the development of future relations and ways to deepen cooperation

China recently told Ukraine it was willing to play a ‘constructive role’ in looking for ways to end the conflict, which began when Russia invaded last year

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Xi Jinping will meet Vladimir Putin in Russia next week. Photo: AP

Published: 9:34pm, 17 Mar 2023Updated: 9:53pm, 17 Mar 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a three-day visit to Russia next week as the world watches to see if Beijing will play a more active role in meditating peace between Ukraine and Russia.

The visit had been widely expected but was only officially announced on Friday, days after Beijing brokered a peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia and Xi secured a norm-breaking third term as president.

Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin described the trip as a “visit of friendship, cooperation and peace”.

“During his visit to Russia, President Xi Jinping will have in-depth communication with President [Vladimir] Putin on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues, jointly draw up a new blueprint for the future development of relations between the two countries and promote the deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Russia in various fields,” Wang told a regular press briefing.

The Kremlin, meanwhile, said a number of important bilateral documents would be signed during Xi’s trip.

Wang also repeated China’s commitment to playing a “constructive role” in finding a political solution in Ukraine – the same message delivered by Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Thursday when he had a phone conversation with his Ukraine counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.