Russian leader says relations between two countries have reached an "unprecedented level" ahead of his 25th visit to China
Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for a state visit, four days after Donald Trump left China, The Guardian reports.
Putin's visit to China - his 25th according to Chinese state media - reflects Beijing's growing confidence on the world stage as a center of global diplomatic activity.
It also underscores the deep relationship between Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The two men have met more than 40 times, far outstripping Xi's meetings with any Western leader.
"Expecting two of the world's most powerful leaders within a few days shows China's growing confidence in its country and its position in the world," said William Yang, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group.
He said Xi "likely wants to remind Trump that Beijing has other strong and stable relationships it can rely on, so Washington cannot easily isolate or harm Beijing if it tries to do so."
Putin's visit comes as he enters what could be the most difficult period of his long rule. His image as a strong leader at home has begun to fade, as Russia has made little progress on the battlefield in Ukraine this year. Russia's growing economic woes are increasingly increasing its dependence on China, turning what the Kremlin presents as a partnership of equals into a much more unbalanced relationship.
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