2024 visit by Vladimir Putin to China

Russian President Vladimir Putin paid an official visit to China in May 2024. The visit was his first foreign visit after assuming office for the fifth term. The visit underscored the deepening partnership between Russia and China.

Purpose
The purpose of the visit is to deepen the strategic partnership between Russia and China. Putin's choice of China as his first foreign visit after officially taking office shows the importance he and the Russian government attach to promoting Sino-Russian relations.

Key events
During the visit, Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. They discussed their "key partnerships and strategic cooperation" and "the most pressing international and regional issues". They were expected to sign a dozen joint documents, including a joint declaration. Putin also met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Vice President Han Zheng.

Outcomes
The visit resulted in the announcement of a "new era" partnership. Putin and Xi saw Western efforts to spread democracy as attempts to delegitimize them and believed that authoritarian regimes were better suited to meet the challenges of the modern world.

Controversies
The visit drew international attention because of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Western leaders have called on Beijing to not support Moscow in its invasion of Ukraine.