In an article published in the Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Xi wrote about the growing friendship between China and Russia, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the bond between the two nations. He also noted his anticipation for working with Putin to develop a new vision for the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.
The leaders are set to meet at the Kremlin at 4:30 p.m. local time, with an "informal" meeting followed by a dinner, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Official talks and a state dinner are scheduled for Tuesday.
Xi's visit occurs just days after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing him of war crimes in Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, addressing the warrant during a press conference, asserted that dialogue and negotiation are the optimal means for ending the conflict and urged the ICC to respect the jurisdictional immunity of heads of state under international law.
In his Rossiyskaya Gazeta article, Xi also addressed the Ukrainian crisis, expressing confidence that a rational solution and a path to lasting peace and global security would be found through adherence to the concept of common, comprehensive, joint, and sustainable security and equal, prudent, and pragmatic dialogue and consultations.
Xi's arrival in Moscow marks the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. Over the past decade, Putin and Xi have had around 40 contacts, including video conferences and telephone calls in the past year. Upon landing in Moscow, Xi reiterated his commitment to working with Russia to "firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core."