Russian foreign minister visits China

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in China Monday for an official state visit that was scheduled to last two days. Lavrov met with his counterpart, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to Russian news outlet Vedomosti, which claims to be independent.

What did Lavrov and Yi talk about? In his opening remarks, Lavrov said the two ministers planned to discuss the war in Ukraine, as well as the future of the Asia-Pacific region and international cooperation, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Lavrov’s trip comes ahead of a potential visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin later this year, according to Vedomosti.

Didn’t the United States just send an official to China? Lavrov’s visit came immediately after the departure of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. On Monday, Yelen wrapped up a four-day visit to China. During that time, Yellen and Yi discussed issues related to national security, including United States concerns that China is providing support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Dig deeper: Read Josh Schumacher’s report on Janet Yellen’s visit to China.