China's President Xi Jinping is reportedly planning a visit to Russia next week for talks with his counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Reuters news agency reported this on Monday, citing several sources familiar with the plans. A Russian government official acknowledged in an interview with NHK that arrangements are underway for a visit.
During online talks in December, Xi got an invitation from President Vladimir Putin to visit Moscow this spring. Putin also said that he is looking forward to a visit by Xi during a meeting with China's top diplomat Wang Yi in Moscow last month.
The Ukraine situation will likely be on the agenda at their talks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in a news briefing on Monday that he has no comment on the reports. He, however, promised to make an announcement after arrangements are completed.
Xi also plans to speak virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after his Moscow visit, the Wall Street Journal reported. This will be his first talks with Zelenskyy since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy is cautiously receptive to certain parts of a 12-point document that Beijing last month offered to call for a cease-fire and peace talks. He expressed a desire to meet Xi.
The focus has been on the diplomatic policy of Xi, who has assumed an unprecedented third term as president and head of the Communist Party.
The United States has been warning Beijing not to provide military support to Russia.