Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow this afternoon for an official visit, which is expected to enhance Beijing's role as a potential peace-maker in the Ukrainian war. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes this visit will provide him support in the face of Western pressures.
Xi will be the first leader to meet with Putin since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him on Friday for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia since the invasion.
Putin stated in an article for the People's Daily published on the Kremlin's website, "We can sense that the geopolitical landscape in the outside world is undergoing fundamental changes," adding that he has high hopes for the visit of his "dear old friend."
Xi is scheduled to hold "informal" talks with Putin, with formal discussions set for tomorrow, Tuesday.
The Chinese president expressed confidence that his visit to Russia will provide "new momentum" to relations with Moscow following his arrival at the Russian capital's airport. He stated, as reported by Russian news agencies: "I am convinced that this visit will be fruitful and will give new momentum for the sound and stable development of China-Russia relations," describing Beijing and Moscow as "good neighbors" and "reliable partners."
He added that China's proposal for peace in Ukraine, which was issued last month, reflects global perspectives.
