China’s President visits Russia after deadly attack on Moscow

Diaspora Digital Media gathered from media reports of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, that Chinese President Xi Jinping is traveling to Moscow for a four-day state visit.

This visit reportedly includes his attendance at Russia’s Victory Day military parade, an annual event marking the end of World War II.

Xi’s arrival occurs amid heightened tensions, as Moscow has been the target of extensive Ukrainian drone attacks.

According to Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, at least 19 drones were intercepted overnight by Russian air defense systems.

These attacks disrupted civilian life, temporarily shutting down most of the city’s airports.

It has also reportedly forced Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, to adjust its flight schedules.

The drone offensive, which appears aimed at undermining preparations for the Victory Day parade, also affected international arrivals.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić was forced to reroute his flight to Baku, Azerbaijan.

His planned visit had already faced controversy, with Latvia and Lithuania reportedly denying his plane access to their airspace.

This has supposedly resulted in a lengthy detour.

Vučić has faced criticism from several European capitals over his decision to visit Moscow at this politically sensitive time.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed it had neutralized more than 500 drones over a 24-hour period.

These events have impacted at least 60,000 air passengers.

They also reflect escalating hostilities as Ukraine seeks to interfere with Russia’s symbolic national celebrations.

Analysts say Xi’s visit underscores his deepening ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and occurs as China faces mounting tensions with the United States, including a trade war.

The Chinese president has now visited Russia 11 times, more than any other country since taking office, highlighting the strategic importance of the relationship.

Russia’s foreign ministry has characterized this visit as one of the most significant events in the two countries’ diplomatic calendar for the year.

Xi is expected to sign several new agreements to further strengthen the “no limits” partnership between Beijing and Moscow.

One major item on the agenda is the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project, which could deliver up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia to China.

In addition to bilateral talks with Putin scheduled for Thursday, Xi will also attend the Victory Day parade on Friday.

For the first time since 2015, China’s People’s Liberation Army will send an honor guard to participate in the Moscow ceremony.

Additionally, China will send another honor guard to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, marking the first time it has done so for that celebration.

In a statement published on Wednesday, Xi emphasized the importance of China-Russia cooperation.

He said both nations are global powers that contribute to strategic stability and better global governance.

He warned against efforts by external actors to damage the trust and friendship between the two countries.

Economic ties between China and Russia have grown significantly since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Bilateral trade hit a record $245 billion in 2024, a 66% increase from 2021.

This surge has provided critical economic support to Russia amid sweeping Western sanctions.

Despite its growing economic involvement, China claims to be a neutral party in the war and advocates for a peaceful resolution.

However, Ukraine has increasingly accused China of assisting Russia’s war efforts.

Kyiv has cited the presence of Chinese mercenaries fighting alongside Russian forces as evidence of this alleged support.

Two such fighters were recently captured in eastern Donetsk.

Though not officially tied to the Chinese government, their recruitment appears to be facilitated through Chinese social media platforms, which are typically tightly controlled.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned China’s failure to prevent its citizens from participating in the conflict.

He also criticized foreign leaders who plan to attend the Victory Day parade in Moscow.

He warned that Ukraine cannot guarantee their safety amidst the ongoing conflict.

Despite these warnings, Moscow expects 29 world leaders to be present at this year’s Victory Day parade.

This marks the largest foreign turnout at the Red Square ceremony since Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago.

Xi’s presence, alongside others, symbolizes ongoing global divisions surrounding the war and Russia’s growing pivot toward Eastern alliances.

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