The Secretary of Russia’s National Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, arrived in Beijing today for talks with China’s political leadership, according to Russian state news agencies.

During his visit, which is scheduled to last one day, Shoigu is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, according to TASS.

The visit by the former Defense Minister follows recent talks between Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, during which the Chinese leader praised Moscow’s “constructive efforts” in seeking an end to the Ukrainian crisis.

Moscow and Beijing have strengthened their military and trade relations since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022, despite the Chinese government’s efforts to maintain a neutral stance in the ongoing conflict, which has now lasted more than three years.

Beijing remains a political and economic ally of Moscow and has never condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukrainian territory.

According to Russian state media, Sergei Shoigu will discuss with Chinese officials bilateral security issues, as well as international and regional challenges.