Kremlin outlines details of upcoming trip by Putin to China and denies any link to Trump's visit

Russian leader Vladimir Putin will arrive in Beijing on the evening of 19 May, where he will be met by China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Source: Putin aide Yuri Ushakov, as quoted by the Russian media on 18 May

Quote: "As regards the programme, it is very busy. Our leader will arrive in Beijing on the evening of 19 May. A formal reception ceremony will be organised by the Chinese side at the airport. He will be greeted in person by a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party's Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. There will also be children and an honour guard."

Details: The visit will take place on 19-20 May and is timed to mark the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation.

At 11:00 Beijing time on the morning of 20 May, the Chinese leader will welcome Putin at Tiananmen Square, accompanied by an orchestra and an honour guard.

This will be followed by a meeting between Putin and Xi Jinping in a restricted format. "During it, the most important and sensitive issues of bilateral relations between our countries are expected to be discussed. Attending from the Russian side are all deputy prime ministers present in the delegation, representatives of the presidential administration, several federal ministers and several representatives of big business," Ushakov said.

After the talks, a document-signing ceremony will take place. Around 40 documents are expected to be signed.

Putin and Xi Jinping will sign a joint statement on further strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, as well as on deepening good-neighbourly relations, friendship and cooperation. They will also adopt a joint declaration on the establishment of a multipolar world and a new type of international relations. The leaders will conclude with statements to the media.

Ushakov noted that it is not yet known whether Putin will speak to the Russian press following the visit.

Separately, Ushakov said the dates of the upcoming visit by Putin to China had been agreed upon back in February and therefore have no connection to the latest visit by US President Donald Trump to China.

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