Moscow and Beijing have forged closer ties since the Kremlin began its Ukraine offensive in February 2022, an alliance that has drawn anxiety in the West as both countries seek to expand their global influence.

Defence Minister Andrei Belousov will "hold a number of negotiations with the country's military and military-political leadership" during the visit, according to the Russian defence ministry.

The two countries declared a "no limits" partnership shortly before Moscow launched its attack on Ukraine, and have carried out a series of military drills together since.

President Vladimir Putin said in August that Russia's economic and trade links with China were "yielding results", and that the two were working on joint "economic and humanitarian" projects.

Last month, Russian and Chinese warships carried out joint drills in the Sea of Japan, part of a major naval exercise that Putin said was the largest of its kind for three decades.