Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Beijing late May 19, is scheduled to hold summit talks with his counterpart Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 20.

It is Putin’s first visit to China since September 2025, and his 25th trip to the country.

Chinese state media highlighted the unusual diplomatic schedule of China hosting the leaders of both the United States and Russia within consecutive weeks, saying that Beijing has emerged as a diplomatic hub.

According to Russia’s TASS News Agency, the delegation accompanying President Putin includes senior cabinet officials such as Deputy Prime Minister officials and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, along with executives from major state-owned enterprises.

Following the formal summit talks, the two leaders are also expected to hold candid discussions during an informal tea gathering.

Energy cooperation is expected to be the central focus of the talks, particularly crude oil supplies in light of the situation involving Iran.

China is the world’s largest importer of crude oil, with roughly half of its imports coming from the Middle East.

Concerns over a possible blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have heightened the importance of stable energy supplies.

China has recently increased imports of Russian crude oil, and the two sides are expected to discuss further expanding oil imports as well as plans for a new natural gas pipeline linking Russia and China.

The talks are also expected to touch on last week’s U.S.-China summit following President Trump’s visit to Beijing.

The two leaders are expected to exchange views on the outcome of those discussions and the broader international situation.