Xi makes first trip to Russia since Ukraine invasion

China embraces international mediator role with eye on U.S.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting at the Kremlin on March 20. (Sputnik/Sergei Karpukhin/pool via Reuters)

Nikkei staff writers

March 20, 2023 23:51 JST

Updated on March 21, 2023 02:33 JST

TOKYO -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Russia on Monday for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in which he is expected to call for renewed talks between Moscow and Kyiv under a 12-point peace plan announced by Beijing in February.

This is Xi's first trip to Russia since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and his first trip overseas since kicking off his third term as president at the National People's Congress session ended March 13. Xi is seen using the summit to bolster China's cooperation with Russia amid the countries' growing tensions with the U.S.