Xi arrives in Moscow for state visit, Victory Day celebrations

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Wednesday to begin a four-day state visit to Russia and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Xi’s plane was escorted to the Russian capital by fighter jets sent by the Russian Air Force after entering the country’s airspace. Upon his arrival at the Moscow Vnukovo Airport, Xi was greeted by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and other senior government officials. 

The Russian side held a welcome ceremony at the airport, which saw a military band play the national anthems of both China and Russia before Xi reviewed the guard of honor and watched a march-past. Xi delivered a written statement upon his arrival, in which he extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the Russian government and people on behalf of the Chinese government and people.