The Russian president has praised deepening strategic partnership with Beijing ahead of SCO summit and Victory Day commemorations

President Vladimir Putin has said Russia and China are "united in our vision" of a just, multipolar world order, ahead of his official visit to China for high-level talks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

In a written interview with Xinhua News Agency published ahead of his trip, the Russian president framed the Moscow-Beijing partnership as a stabilising force on the world stage, playing a significant role in shaping global affairs.

"Time and again, our exchanges on critical international issues have shown that Moscow and Beijing share broad common interests and strikingly similar views on fundamental questions," he said. "We are united in our vision of building a just, multipolar world order, with a focus on the nations of the Global Majority."

"As the two leading powers in Eurasia, we cannot remain indifferent to the challenges and threats facing our continent and the wider world," he added, noting that this remains a "constant focus" of bilateral political dialogue. He also highlighted Russia's concept of a "common space of equal and indivisible security in Eurasia," which he said closely aligns with the Global Security Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Putin said visit builds on the success of Chinese president's state visit to Moscow in May, which marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.

"President Xi Jinping treats his country's history with utmost respect... He is a true leader of a great world power, a man of strong will, endowed with strategic vision and a global outlook, and unwavering in his commitment to national interests," Putin said, calling him "an example for the entire world of what a respectful and equitable dialogue with foreign partners can and should be today."

Putin's official visit to China will take place from August 31 to September 3, beginning with his participation in the SCO summit in Tianjin, followed by Victory Day events in Beijing. In the Chinese capital, Putin will hold talks with Xi, first in an expanded format including key ministers and business leaders, and then privately. The agenda includes regional security, relations with the United States, the conflict in Ukraine, and upcoming multilateral summits. On the sidelines, Putin is expected to meet leaders from Iran, India, Trkiye and others.