Within days of each other, Chinese President Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet in Beijing for two of the world’s most powerful and controversial leaders: US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The near-identical military ceremonies, cannon salutes and choreographed welcomes were carefully designed to project China as the indispensable centre of global diplomacy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing less than a week after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his own visit to China, highlighting…

Less than a week after Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet for US President Donald Trump, the Chinese leader is hosting another guest of honor – and this time it’s a close ally.