Four-Day Journey Highlights Deepening China-Russia Relations
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a four-day visit, as a chain of Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted the Russian capital. His visit comes at a crucial moment for international diplomacy, with china news today coverage highlighting.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Disrupt Moscow
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that Russian defense systems had destroyed at least 19 Ukrainian drones during the night. The strikes disabled many airports and caused extensive delays for thousands of passengers. More than 60,000 individuals were affected by the closures, as reported by china news today.
Xi Jinping Receives Grand Welcome
Xi was greeted at the airport by a military band, the importance of the visit. The state reception is indicative of the growing strategic cooperation between Russia and China, analysts under china news today have indicated.
Victory Day Parade and Bilateral Talks Scheduled
Xi is to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. He will also attend the Victory Day parade on Friday, a very patriotic holiday in Russia commemorating the victory of World War II. china news today reports that China's People's Liberation Army will be sending an honor guard to Moscow—its first since 2015.
Air Travel Disruptions for Other Leaders
The drone strikes forced Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to change his route to Moscow via Azerbaijan. His original course was reportedly denied passage through Latvian and Lithuanian airspace. This diplomatic turmoil has been given wide coverage in china news today as part of broader tension throughout Europe.
China and Russia Deepen "No Limits" Partnership
Russia’s foreign ministry has described Xi’s trip as a central event in Chinese-Russian relations for 2025. The two nations are expected to sign numerous cooperation agreements. As highlighted in china news today, discussions will include the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which could deliver up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia to China.
Xi Stresses Global Stability in Official Statement
In a statement made upon arrival, Xi emphasized China and Russia's shared international duty. "Together we must counter all plots to tamper with or subvert our relationship of friendship and confidence," he wrote—a refrain echoed across china news today headlines.
China-Russia Trade Hits Record Highs
Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, there has been an explosion of trade between China and Russia. Bilateral trade in 2024 hit a record high of \$245 billion, up 66% from 2021. As reported by china news today, this economic partnership has been a lifeline for Moscow during Western sanctions.
Controversy Over Chinese Mercenaries in Ukraine
Although China is technically neutral, Ukraine has accused Beijing of indirectly supporting Russia's war efforts. Two Chinese mercenaries were recently arrested in eastern Donetsk. While not directly associated with the Chinese government, china news today reports that recruitment material still exists on Chinese social media platforms.
Zelenskyy Warns World Leaders Against Attending Parade
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned global leaders for attending the Moscow celebrations. He added that Ukraine "cannot bear responsibility for what happens" to any visiting head of state. Such warnings have made headlines in china news today.
Largest Foreign Delegation Expected Since Invasion
Despite all these tensions, Russia asserts that 29 world leaders will attend the Victory Day parade—the largest international turnout since the war began. Apart from Xi, other prominent guests include Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico. The parade has been a central topic in china news today, reflecting the global split over the war in Ukraine.