Putin visits China to reaffirm ties as Xi seeks stable US relations after Trump summit - The Korea Times

Russian President Vladimir Putin, center right, is greeted by China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, center left, as he arrives in Beijing, Tuesday. Kremlin Pool Photo via AP-Yonhap

BEIJING — Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived Tuesday night in China for meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping less than a week after U.S. President Donald Trump wrapped up his own trip to Beijing.

Putin's plane landed in Beijing, where he was greeted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, an honor guard and youths in light blue shirts waving Chinese and Russian flags.

His two-day visit is likely to be closely watched as Beijing seeks to maintain stable relations with the United States while also preserving strong ties with Russia.

The Kremlin has said Putin and Xi plan to discuss economic cooperation between the two countries, but also “key international and regional issues.” The visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship signed in 2001.