Xi-Putin Talks To Discuss 'All Issues Of Bilateral Cooperation'

(MNI) London-Speaking to Russian state-run TASS, China's ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui states that Chinese President Xi Jinping's discussions with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at an upcoming meeting, "will discuss all current and key issues of bilateral cooperation, as well as our strategic interaction in the international arena. This is very important." The two are expected to hold discussions on the sidelines of the upcoming Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum, taking place in Beijing 17-18 October.

• The trip will be closely watched as it comes as Putin's first overseas visit since the issuance of an international arrest warrant against him by the ICC in March. Observers will be looking for any language regarding the 'no limits friendship' declared between the two nations in a Feb 2022 statement, released shortly before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• There has been an uptick in focus on China's diplomatic actions in recent days, with speculationthat Xi could visit the United States in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. On 26 September, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated in a presser that “We are in communications with relevant parties and we will make an announcement in due time.”