Vladimir Putin left Beijing without the Power of Siberia 2 gas-pipeline breakthrough Moscow had sought, exposing a partnership tilting toward Beijing. Trump signalled he would speak directly with Taiwan's Lai as he weighed a record $14bn…

Vladimir Putin is travelling to Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping, where he is expected to promote the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project and broader energy cooperation.

Putin is expected to hold talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, with the long-stalled Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline topping the agenda.