On May 7âÂÂ10, 2025, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Chinese president, visited Russia. He traveled to Moscow to conduct a state visit to Russia and participate in the festivities commemorating the 2025 Moscow Victory Day Parade.
Xi was accompanied on the journey by Cai Qi, the director of the General Office of the CCP, and Wang Yi, the director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the CCP.
Xi's visit occurs while President of the United States Donald Trump endeavors to compel Moscow and Kyiv to negotiate a resolution to the Russo-Ukrainian War, with both parties attributing the stagnation to one another. Amid a tariff conflict with the United States, Xi is anticipated to endorse multiple accords to strengthen an already close strategic alliance with Moscow, which has historically recognized China as Russia's foremost commercial partner.
This marks Xi's second participation in the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Russia, following the 2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade. China anticipates collaborating with global leaders and the Russian populace to honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the triumph in the global anti-fascist war, to collectively advance an accurate interpretation of the history of the Second World War, and to jointly articulate a powerful contemporary message advocating for the preservation of international equity and justice.
Vice Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and other high-ranking government officials welcomed him on May 7, 2025. Upon arriving at Vnukovo International Airport, Xi stated that he would engage in extensive discussions with President Vladimir Putin regarding bilateral relations, practical cooperation, and significant international and regional matters of mutual interest, aiming to enhance the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.
On the morning of May 8, Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping engaged in discussions in the Kremlin in Moscow. The two heads of state engaged in a comprehensive dialogue regarding ChinaâÂÂRussia relations and significant international and regional matters, reaching a consensus to steadfastly enhance strategic cooperation and foster the stable, healthy, and elevated progression of China-Russia relations. Additionally, they committed to collaboratively advancing an accurate interpretation of the history of the Second World War, upholding the authority and standing of the United Nations, and ensuring international equity and justice. Subsequent to the discussions, the two leaders executed the "Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the PeopleâÂÂs Republic of China on Deepening the Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation in the New Era to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Soviet UnionâÂÂs Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the People of ChinaâÂÂs Victory over Japanese Aggression, and the Establishment of the United Nations" (). The two heads of state observed the exchange of over 20 bilateral cooperation agreements between China and the Russian Federation, encompassing global strategic stability, the enforcement of international law, biosecurity, investment protection, the digital economy, quarantine, and film collaboration. Subsequent to the discussions, the two leaders convened with journalists collectively.
On May 9, Xi Jinping participated in the 2025 Moscow Victory Day Parade. Military contingents from over ten nations, including China, were also invited to partake in the parade. Following the ceremony, Xi and other state leaders proceeded from Red Square to the Alexander Garden to place flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Martyrs. At noon, Xi participated in a banquet organized by President Vladimir Putin to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's triumph in the Great Patriotic War.
On the sidelines of the festivities, he also met with President of Serbia Aleksandar VuÃÂiÃÂ, President of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing, President of Cuba Miguel DÃÂaz-Canel, Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico, and President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro.
On the evening of May 10, Xi returned to Beijing following his state visit to Russia. Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the Central Committee, and director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office Wang Yi, along with other accompanying individuals, returned on the same flight.