Russian President Vladimir Putin said he plans to visit China in May, in what could become the first foreign trip for the Russian leader after he extended his rule by six more years in an election that offered voters little real choice.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he planned to visit China in May, as reported by Reuters last month.

This would be the Russian president’s first trip abroad since re-election, as Moscow seeks to strengthen ties with Beijing.

Vladimir Putin has sent Russia’s defence chief a stark warning after his deputy minister was arrested on bribery charges, experts have said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning a trip to China in May, he said on Thursday, though he did not specify exactly when. "I have planned a visit in May," he told the Russian Union of Entrepreneurs and Industrialists (RSPP).

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he plans to visit China in May, his first planned trip abroad since re-election as Moscow seeks deeper ties with Beijing. The West has viewed Russia and China with increased anxiety over the past two years as they boost military cooperation and seek to expand their global influence.