Energy, trade and military links top agenda, says diplomat
President Hu Jintao will next week embark on his third trip to Russia, with energy, trade and military co-operation topping his agenda, a senior Beijing diplomat says.
Assistant Foreign Minister Li Hui said Mr Hu would hold talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and meet other Russian leaders during his three-day visit, beginning on Monday, which marks the 10th anniversary of the Sino-Russian strategic partnership.
Mr Hu is set to attend the opening ceremony of Russia's Year of China and the opening of a national exhibition on China in Moscow, the biggest display of Chinese culture and economic development held abroad, according to Mr Li.
Warming political, trade and military links between Beijing and Moscow in recent years, featuring regular summits, have stirred great unease in Washington and among some of China's neighbours.
Mr Hu and Mr Putin met three times last year and Premier Wen Jiabao is tipped to visit Moscow in November to mark the close of the Year of China, which follows the Year of Russia on the mainland last year.
Mr Li said Mr Hu's visit would further improve political, economic and military ties with Russia, with contracts totalling more than US$2 billion expected to be signed, including those by about 100 Chinese enterprises attending the exhibition. The exhibition, one of nearly 200 events planned for the Year of China, will focus on economic and trade co-operation, hi-tech industry and tourism.