BEIJING: Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, has arrived in China for crucial talks on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, bilateral relations, and regional dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, the Russian foreign ministry said on Monday.
Lavrov’s visit aims to bolster ties between Moscow and Beijing, with talks scheduled with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, focusing on a range of pressing issues. These discussions encompass joint cooperation within international forums such as the United Nations and the Group of 20 (G20), underscoring the depth of collaboration between the two nations.
The meeting comes amidst speculation that Russian President Vladimir Putin will embark on a visit to China in May to engage in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This potential visit holds significance as it could mark Putin’s first overseas trip since the commencement of his new presidential term.
The partnership between Russia and China has strengthened notably since February 2022 when Putin’s visit to Beijing preceded Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite facing sanctions from the West, Russia has seen rapid growth in its trade relations with China, positioning itself as China’s fastest-growing trade partner.
In a recent call between Xi Jinping and Putin, both leaders affirmed their commitment to opposing external interference in domestic affairs, with an implicit reference to the United States.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong hailed the bilateral ties between China and Russia as “at their best in history” during a meeting with his Russian counterpart in Moscow last month, highlighting the depth of cooperation between the two nations.
