Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, days after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his trip to Beijing, according to multiple media reports.
Putin is scheduled to be in China Tuesday and Wednesday, and the Russian leader's visit does not bear any connection to Trump, the Associated Press reported Tuesday, citing presidential aide Yuri Ushakov's remarks to reporters.
The Russian leader's 25th visit was agreed upon in advance during Putin and Xi's video conference on Feb. 4, the news agency said, citing Yushakov.
China and Russia have touted the trip as evidence that their relations are "all-weather" despite the West calling on Beijing to pressure Moscow to end its offensive in Ukraine, Reuters reported separately.
The visit will help both countries support one another on issues "affecting the core interests of both countries, including protection of sovereignty and state unity," Putin said in a video message before he arrives in Beijing.
"Without allying against anyone, we seek peace and universal prosperity," the Kremlin's English translation of Putin's message ahead of his visit to Beijing said Tuesday.