Russia's President Putin sealed his visit to China with a shared meal, a step that bolstered diplomatic bonds between him and President Xi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China this weekend, marking another chapter in the close relationship between the two nations. This visit, which will include high-level diplomatic exchanges, is expected to focus on coordinating their positions on the Ukraine war, according to analysts.

The relationship between Russia and China extends beyond negotiations to include symbolic events and personal interactions. This culinary relationship began in 2013, when Putin gifted a birthday cake to Chinese President Xi Jinping, and has since grown stronger. Putin has a weakness for Chinese cuisine, particularly Peking duck, and Xi Jinping particularly appreciated the Russian ice cream that Putin offered him in 2016 at the G20 summit.

In 2017, Putin served Xi pancakes and black caviar, Karelian trout, Murmansk cod, marbled beef with smoked puree, and Russian wine "Usadba Divnomorskoe" in the Kremlin's Granite Hall. The night before a visit to China in an unspecified year, Putin offered Sterlet fish soup, oriental seafood, and a choice of venison with cherry sauce or Pechora nelma fish. Putin even personally prepared the traditional Chinese dish Goubuli in 2018.

The upcoming state visit will include working and festive meals, providing ample opportunity for Putin and Xi to continue their unique form of diplomacy, particularly at dinner tables. Putin will also attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit during his visit.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit will involve member states such as China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, and Central Asian countries, with participants like observer states and dialogue partners from Asia and Eurasia. Key guests include entities like ASEAN and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

However, the Trump administration is pursuing a policy aimed at decoupling Moscow from Beijing and bringing it closer to the U.S. Most analysts consider such hopes of decoupling Russia from China unrealistic, with the relationship between Russia and China remaining close, according to most analysts.

During his visit, Putin will also be an honored guest at the military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, alongside Kim Jong-un of North Korea, the leaders of Iran and Cuba. Putin will watch this significant event before returning to Russia, further cementing the close relationship between Russia and China.

Russia's President Putin sealed his visit to China with a shared meal, a step that bolstered diplomatic bonds between him and President Xi.