According to news agency Reuters, newly-appointed Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, his predecessor and now Secretary of Security Council Sergei Shoigu, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov are in Putin’s delegation.
Analysts say that the visit is an opportunity for Putin to introduce his revamped cabinet and to stress continuity in the relationship with China. Most key members in his cabinet with experience dealing with their China counterparts have either remained in their roles or have been elevated.
He is also bringing a large trade delegation with him, including Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina and leaders of state-owned enterprises.
Sberbank CEO
German Gref, businessman Oleg Deripaska, VTB chief
Andrei Kostin, Rosneft chief Igor Sechin and Novatek
boss Leonid Mikhelson are some among the list.