Xi extends a warm welcome to Putin in China as both leaders aim to strengthen their strategic connections.

Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin to Beijing for a two-day state visit, marking Putin's first foreign trip since starting his fifth term. Both leaders aim to strengthen their strategic ties, emphasizing their "no-limits" friendship as a counter to U.S. global influence since February 2022.

Xi Jinping warmly received Vladimir Putin in Beijing, signaling a mutual effort to enhance their strategic ties. Putin's two-day state visit, at Xi's invitation, marks his inaugural foreign trip since commencing his fifth presidential term. 

Both nations have emphasized their "no-limits" friendship since February 2022, positioning it as a counter to U.S. global influence. With the U.S. imposing more sanctions on Moscow following the Ukraine invasion, China has increasingly become Russia's economic support. 

In an interview with Xinhua, Putin highlighted the significant growth in trade between the two countries, reaching $227.8 billion last year. He noted that bilateral trade now stands at approximately 20 trillion rubles, or nearly 1.6 trillion yuan, equivalent to $219.6 billion.

 Both leaders aim to deepen collaboration across various sectors, including high technology, outer space, peaceful nuclear energy use, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.

The close relationship between China and Russia has been a source of concern for the U.S., especially with Washington cautioning Beijing to reduce its military support for Moscow's actions in Ukraine. 

On the trade front, President Joe Biden recently announced significant tariff increases on $18 billion worth of Chinese imports, citing Washington's concerns about China's perceived unfair trade practices. This growing economic and diplomatic pressure from the U.S. and its allies may push China even closer to Russia, according to observers. 

Putin is anticipated to hold discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and attend a trade and investment expo in the northeastern city of Harbin, as reported by Russian state media.

Source: CNBC