Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to China on Tuesday, during which he will hold discussions with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping about expanding bilateral relations and discussing various global issues. Putin is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes ministers, economic officials, and heads of major Russian energy companies, in an indication of the importance that Moscow attaches to its relations with Beijing in light of the Western sanctions imposed on it due to the war in Ukraine. The two presidents are scheduled to hold official talks on Wednesday to discuss developing the strategic partnership between the two countries, in addition to pressing international files, including the war in Ukraine and developments in Iran, according to the Kremlin. 'An unprecedented level' The Russian President confirmed that relations between Russia and China have reached an “unprecedented level,” stressing that the partnership between the two countries “is not directed against any party,” but rather aims to support stability and work for peace. Prior to the visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign affairs advisor, Yuri Ushakov, announced that "there is no connection" between US President Donald Trump's visit to China and the visit of his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, who is heading to Beijing to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping. He said: “There is no connection between Trump’s visit and Putin’s visit. We usually agree in advance on a plan for negotiations with the Chinese side.” He also added: We agreed on our president’s visit to Beijing, and we set the date for the talks on the twentieth of May. The foreign policy positions of our two countries are largely compatible, and we agree on many positions completely. Our approach is completely identical, but I would like to point out that we are not friends against anyone, but rather we work for global peace and prosperity. Ushakov also confirmed that Russian oil exports to China grew by 35 percent in the first quarter of 2026, and that Russia is one of the largest exporters of natural gas to China. The energy file tops the agenda, according to the Kremlin, especially the “Power of Siberia 2” gas pipeline project, which Russia seeks to implement to expand its gas exports to China. The visit coincides with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Treaty of Good Neighborhood, Friendship and Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.