Kremlin aide visits China amid speculation about potential Xi-Putin-Trump meeting
Trip is being watched for signs that a summit is planned for November
Quick Look
Nikolai Patrushev, an aide to Russia's president, arrived in China on Thursday to hold maritime cooperation talks, with his visit closely watched for potential signs of a trilateral summit with the US next month.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Nikolai Patrushev serves as an aide to Russia's president and chairman of Russia's Maritime Board.
An aide to Russia’s president arrived in China on Thursday for a visit that will be closely watched for signs of preparation for a possible trilateral summit with the US during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ meeting next month.
Nikolai Patrushev, who is also chairman of Russia’s Maritime Board, was set to hold talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday.
Leading a delegation that included representatives from government agencies, major logistics firms, shipbuilders and scientific and educational institutions, Patrushev would “hold talks on Russian-Chinese cooperation in the maritime sector”, Russian news agency Interfax quoted the Maritime Board as saying.
This was Patrushev’s first visit to China as chairman of the Maritime Board, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday, noting that Wang and other department chiefs would meet with him to exchange views on bilateral relations and cooperation on maritime affairs.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Nikolai Patrushev will hold talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi on maritime sector cooperation.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will a trilateral summit with the US be planned for November?
- What specific maritime agreements will be reached during the talks?
