Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko held discussions with China‘s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday, as reported by Russia’s RIA agency. The purpose of Rudenko’s visit, a seasoned diplomat aged 62 who is fluent in English and Chinese according to TASS, remains unclear, including the specific topics addressed during his meetings with Chinese officials.

This visit coincides with escalating tensions regarding Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly as NATO and South Korea have raised concerns about the potential involvement of North Korean forces alongside Russia.

Rudenko has played a significant role in strengthening Russia’s relations with North Korea since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He was also part of the Russian delegations during early peace talks with Ukraine. Notably, just two months prior to the invasion, Rudenko emphasized that the nations of the post-Soviet region would continue to be a key focus of Russia’s geopolitical strategy.

According to RIA, Rudenko stated in December 2021, “Regardless of their development or direction, these countries will consistently remain a priority within our geopolitical agenda, irrespective of the prevailing geopolitical circumstances. This reflects our shared history from the Soviet era.”