Russia-China (Image Credit: AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin US President Donald Trump is set to visit China for a two-day visit on Tuesday, less than a week after making a high-profile visit to the country.Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the ‘old friend’ is officially linked to the 25th anniversary of the 2001 China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.Putin last visited China in September 2025 to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tianjin.What’s on the agenda?According to the official portal of the President of the Russian Federation, Putin and Xi are expected to discuss bilateral relations, ways to strengthen strategic cooperation between Russia and China, and key regional and international issues.The two leaders will also attend the inaugural ceremony of the Russia-China Year of Education (2026-2027).After the talks, both sides are expected to sign a joint statement along with several bilateral and intergovernmental agreements.Putin is also scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Kiang to discuss trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.How strong is the China-Russia relationship?As quoted by the BBC, Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, described China-Russia relations as “highly unequal”.“The relationship is extremely unequal, and any deal struck between the two countries will likely be on Chinese terms,” ​​Gabuev said, adding, “Russia is completely in China’s pocket, and China can dictate the terms.”According to Al Jazeera, Putin said ahead of the visit that Moscow and Beijing were working together for “peace and universal prosperity.”Also read: After Donald Trump, Putin will go on a two-day visit to China’s Xi Jinping on May 19.