(Photo : SERGEI BOBYLYOV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)
Xi Jinping's visit to Russia follows Beijing's 12-point plan to resolve the Ukraine conflict, which NATO and the US have criticized.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Moscow next week to discuss with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Beijing presented a 12-point plan last month for "a political resolution" of the Russia-Ukraine war," and on Thursday, a top Chinese official urged for dialogue via a phone call with Ukraine's foreign minister, setting the stage for Xi Jinping's state visit on March 20 to 22, according to Reuters.
Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Xi Jinping Russia visit, his first in almost four years, was somewhat to promote "peace," but he made no direct reference to the Russia-Ukraine war.
In a statement, the Kremlin has also confirmed the trip and said that the visit's purpose is to discuss the nations' "comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation." Several "important bilateral documents" will also be signed.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not verify claims that Xi will meet virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with whom he hasn't communicated since the Russia-Ukraine war started more than a year ago, per NBC News.
Read Also: Minnesota: 400,000 Gallons of Radioactive Water Leaked From Nuclear Plant
US, NATO Skeptical of Xi Jinping's Peace Effort
The US and NATO have criticized Beijing's mediation efforts because it has not condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, per CNN.
Moreover, under Xi's leadership, China has amplified Moscow's disinformation by accusing NATO of instigating the crisis.
It has also strengthened commercial and military relations with Moscow by increasing commerce and performing regular joint military exercises.
The West has accused China of planning to provide Russia with deadly military aid, an allegation that Beijing has always dismissed.
Related Article: China Criticizes AUKUS Alliance
