China set to host Putin as economic ties grow under Western pressure

Beijing expected to have 'shopping list' for Moscow amid sanctions heat

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow in March 2023, the first foreign trip of Xi's third term. Putin is now set to make China the first destination of his fifth term. (Sputnik via Reuters) © Reuters

NURIYA KAPRALOU, Contributing writer

May 15, 2024 08:39 JST

ATHENS -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China on Thursday in an attempt to shore up ties with Beijing seen as crucial for the war in Ukraine.

The two-day trip carries symbolic as well as practical significance. It marks Putin's first journey abroad since his inauguration for a fifth term about a week ago, mirroring Chinese President Xi Jinping's decision to make Moscow his first destination after starting his third term last year.