There is speculation that President Vladimir Putin could undertake his first overseas trip since taking office with a stop in China. A major financial publication, Vedomosti, has reported this possibility, though there is no firm confirmation at the moment.
According to the source, the visit to China might occur in the latter part of May. While the idea is circulating among officials and press, a definite schedule had not been announced at the time of reporting.
Insiders indicate that the planned discussions would mostly focus on regional security dynamics, the state of bilateral relations, and the scope for expanding scientific and technical collaboration between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. There is also interest in advancing cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a platform in which both nations are prominent members.
On March 19, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that preparations for various meetings involving the president were underway and that high-level contact was ongoing. He added that the schedule was still being shaped as preparations continued across all relevant channels.
Earlier, Reuters had reported from sources that Putin was expected to visit China in May, reinforcing the sense of a likely diplomatic outreach during that period.
Additionally, there were reports suggesting that preparations for a separate visit by Putin to Turkey were being handled by the appropriate departments under the direction of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The possibility of a targeted itinerary in Turkey was described as being in the works, with dates subject to final confirmation.
In related developments, officials in Turkey had also signaled that discussions about Putin’s travel plans and the broader strategic conversations tied to energy, security, and regional stability were part of ongoing exchanges, reflecting a broader pattern of high-level outreach across important bilateral relationships in the region.
Looking ahead, observers will be watching how the agenda in China might balance security considerations with economic and technological cooperation, along with potential announcements tied to joint regional initiatives and multilateral cooperation within established frameworks like the SCO. Any official confirmation will be closely scrutinized for timing, scope, and practical implications for Eurasian diplomacy and the broader international order.