Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to visit Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus on an upcoming trip.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Xi will first stop in Kazakhstan on May 7 and then travel to Russia, where he will attend ceremonies on May 9 in Moscow to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
Analysts say Xi has developed a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The two countries, both permanent members on the UN Security Council, share similar positions on controversial issues, including backing the regime of Bashar al-Assad in the war in Syria.
Last week, China announced that the two countries' navies will conduct their first-ever joint exercises in the Mediterranean Sea this month.
On March 10, Xi will wrap up his diplomatic tour with a three-day visit to Belarus.
