During the briefing, Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Kremlin, addressed journalists’ questions about whether the so-called Chinese peace plan would feature in the discussions scheduled between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He deflected, noting that some details would be handled by Ushakov, the Kremlin aide, and that the issue would be considered within the broader diplomatic agenda rather than as a focal point for the immediate talks. (Attribution: Kremlin press pool)
Peskov also reiterated that official discussions between Putin and Xi Jinping would continue in earnest. A press conference was planned to follow the talks in Moscow on March 21, serving as a venue to summarize outcomes and outline any forthcoming steps in bilateral relations. (Attribution: Kremlin briefing)
Earlier, Wang Wenbin, the spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on March 17 that Xi Jinping’s official visit to Russia would be peaceful and not directed at any third party. This message underscored Beijing’s intent to emphasize stability and constructive engagement in the relationship with Moscow, rather than aggressive or confrontational aims. (Attribution: Chinese MFA briefing)
The two leaders, Putin and Xi, last met in Samarkand on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in September 2022. In late December 2022, Putin invited Xi to make an official visit to Moscow in the spring of 2023, signaling a continued commitment to high-level dialogue and a robust bilateral agenda. (Attribution: SCO summit records)