CNN
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Chinese language chief Xi Jinping will go to Russia subsequent week on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Chinese language Overseas Ministry introduced Friday.
It will likely be Xi’s first go to to Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine greater than a 12 months in the past.
In the course of the go to, Xi and Putin will talk about “strategic cooperation” between the 2 international locations, in keeping with the Kremlin.
“In the course of the talks, topical problems with additional growth of complete partnership relations and strategic cooperation between Russia and China will likely be mentioned,” the Kremlin mentioned in a press release Friday.
“An alternate of views can be deliberate within the context of deepening Russian-Chinese language cooperation within the worldwide area,” the Kremlin added. “Quite a few essential bilateral paperwork will likely be signed.”
The go to comes as China tries to current itself as a impartial peace dealer on Ukraine, however the effort has been met with skepticism in Western capitals resulting from Beijing’s rising partnership with Moscow.
China has refused to sentence Russia’s assault on Ukraine – or referred to it as an “invasion,” as a substitute blaming the advance of NATO for frightening the battle.
It has additionally offered diplomatic assist for Moscow, whereas increasing commerce and navy ties to its northern neighbor.
Western officers have additionally raised issues that China could also be contemplating offering Russia with deadly navy help, an accusation denied by Beijing.