Xi Jinping to visit Russia soon, might mediate Ukraine conflict
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Russia next week to hold bilateral talks with his counterpart Vladimir Putin. During the visit, he may offer a mediation role in the Russia-Ukraine war, which has been ongoing since February 2022. The visit, which would reportedly happen earlier than expected, has been met with skepticism in the West due to China's diplomatic support for Russia.
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The development comes as China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, recently concluded his Moscow visit with appeals for peaceful negotiations in Ukraine. Xi and Putin last met in person last year in China, just days before Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Notably, Beijing has so far not criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine but has instead emphasized the need for a "peaceful" resolution.
Xi Jinping may visit Russia in April or May: Reports
According to the TASS news agency, Putin reportedly invited Xi in January to visit Russia in the spring. Some Western media outlets also claimed that the Chinese president would visit Moscow in April or early May. Nevertheless, there has been no official word on Xi's visit, as China's Foreign Ministry has remained tight-lipped on the subject.
Chinese president may push for peace talks
The Wall Street Journal reported that the preparations for Xi's Russia visit began in full swing last month when top diplomat Yi visited Russia and met top officials and ministers. "Xi-Putin summit was part of a Chinese effort to play a more active role in bringing the year-old war to an end and part of a push for multi-party peace talks," it added.
China may call for no use of nuclear weapons
According to reports, China will use the summit to reiterate calls for not using nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Notably, Xi's visit may take place at a critical symbolic juncture when Russia celebrates its World War II victory over Nazi Germany.
China brokered crucial deal between Iran, Saudi Arabia
Separately, after seven years of tensions, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed on Friday to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies in an agreement mediated by China. The pact represents a significant diplomatic victory for China, as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States (US) as gradually withdrawing from the wider Middle East.
