Both trips, according to sources, can take place in May with a short interval.
Trump reported that he plans to visit China and meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on May 14-15. The media notes that the Chinese side has not yet officially confirmed these dates. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China said that the parties continue to coordinate the details of the trip.
The Kremlin reported that Putin plans to visit China in the first half of 2026. According to sources, his visit could take place as early as May, presumably after the American president’s trip.
If these plans are confirmed, it will be a rare occasion in which China will host the leaders of the United States and Russia almost back-to-back and within a month outside of international summits. Analysts note that such visits indicate Beijing's desire to balance relations with both states against the backdrop of global instability.
Context
Trump's visit to China and his meeting with Xi Jinping were to take place March 31 – April 2, however, the head of the White House announced the postponement of his trip. Later, on March 19, the American president suggested that his summit with the PRC leader could take place in mid-May, and he expected a “wonderful trip.” According to Politico sources, Trump did not plan to set a new date for the upcoming meeting with the PRC leader until the active phase of the war with Iran ends.
The Financial Times wrote that Trump sent a strong message to European countries calling on them to join his military efforts against Iran, suggesting that he could postpone the planned summit with the head of the People's Republic of China, seeking Beijing's assistance in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz.
