China’s President, Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia from March 20 to 22 to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin, as both countries promote a plan to end the ongoing Ukraine war.
Last month, China published a 12-point plan for “a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis”, which calls for the protection of civilians and for Russia and Ukraine to respect each other’s sovereignty.
However, China’s mediation efforts have been criticized by the United States and NATO, as China has refrained from condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
During his visit to Russia, Xi will discuss major regional and international issues, deepen economic partnerships, and promote peace, according to Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin.
The Kremlin statement did not mention Ukraine but said the leaders would discuss the development of comprehensive partnership relations and strategic cooperation between Russia and China.
The conflict in Ukraine has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, with no sign of either side actively seeking an end to the conflict.
