A month prior to his scheduled visit to Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia's relations with China had developed to an "all-time high", but clarified that while Russia would expand cooperation further it did not seek to form a military bloc with China. At the same time he said the relationship will "significantly influence the modern architecture of international relations". He added that "China will be the world's No 1 power eventually. That can be considered a hard fact".
A 30-year gas supply deal is likely to be signed during Putin's visit to Beijing next month.