Vladimir Putin undertakes a prolonged diplomatic visit to China, highlighting military and multilateral engagements
In August 2023, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin made an important official visit to the People’s Republic of China, which lasted four days — a significant duration for the Russian leader, emphasizing the special importance of bilateral relations between the two nations.
The agenda included not only scheduled meetings but also extensive activities, such as participation in a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II, symbolizing the historical and military ties between Russia and China.Additionally, Putin attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, which served as further evidence of the convergence of these two powerful countries in politics, security, and economics.
During the summit, the Russian leader delivered a speech and participated in the ‘SCO plus’ format, where delegations from member and observer states discussed global issues and strengthened cooperation.Furthermore, meetings with other world leaders were planned: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, as well as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These meetings underscore efforts to develop and expand multilateral relations.
It was also reported that Erdoğan traveled to China for the summit, further emphasizing the event’s significance.Putin’s four-day visit to China is one of the longest in recent times and signifies the strategic importance of the partnership between the two countries, as well as their ambition to enhance their influence on the global stage amid increasing geopolitical challenges worldwide.