New geopolitical axis: Putin heads to China for key talks with Xi

“On the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the head of state will pay an official visit to China on May 19 and 20. Naturally, he is busy today preparing for the upcoming visit,” Peskov told reporters, according to RIA Novosti.

Peskov said that contact between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping would create new momentum for expanding relations between the two countries.

“Russia is developing independent and comprehensive relations with China. We are developing independent, multifaceted relations with the People’s Republic of China, which we and our Chinese friends describe as a privileged, special strategic partnership. The Russia-China Year of Cooperation in education, medicine, and culture will be launched — in other words, cooperation in all possible areas,” Peskov stated.