Key Facts
• Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a written interview to China’s Xinhua News Agency.
• The interview was conducted ahead of Putin’s visit to China starting August 31, 2025.
• Putin emphasized Russia-China-India unity against the U.S. and Europe.
• He highlighted World War II victory as a shared value between Russia and China.
• Putin criticized Japan, claiming ‘Japanese militarism is reviving’ under the pretext of threats from Russia and China.
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin will include India and others opposing U.S. tariffs.
• Putin will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and attend the ’80th Anniversary of Anti-Japanese War Victory’ military parade.
• Russia-China economic cooperation is progressing in multiple sectors, according to Putin.
• A potential meeting between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is under consideration.
• Russia and North Korea are strengthening military ties amid the Ukraine conflict.
Summary
Ahead of his visit to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a written interview to Xinhua News Agency, emphasizing Russia’s alignment with China and India against Western powers. He underscored the shared historical significance of World War II victory and criticized Japan for allegedly reviving militarism under the guise of countering threats from Russia and China. Putin will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, with plans to expand economic cooperation. He may also meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, highlighting growing military ties between Russia and North Korea amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
