Putin and Xi hail ‘unprecedented’ ties ahead of Beijing military parade
Vladimir Putin has described his relationship with Xi Jinping as being at an “unprecedented level” during talks in Beijing, just a day before China stages its largest-ever military parade. Calling Xi a “dear friend,” Putin underlined the closeness of their ties, while Chinese state media praised the partnership as exemplary. Russia is set to increase gas supplies to China, while Beijing will allow Russians visa-free travel for a year on a trial basis. The timing is significant. Xi is preparing to welcome North Korea’s Kim Jong Un in Beijing, where he, Putin, and Kim will appear side by side as tens of thousands of Chinese troops march through the capital to mark 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War II. For Xi, it is a moment to showcase his influence, both as leader of the world’s second-largest economy and […]