Putin in China for BRI summit
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Both Putin and Xi are due to hold talks on the sidelines of the BRI forum on Wednesday, according to the Kremlin.
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Russia's President Vladimir Putin, rear center, arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport to attend the third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.
Russia's Head of State Vladimir Putin landed in China on Tuesday to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
This week, China is welcoming representatives of 130 countries for a forum of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Putin figures among the top guests of that forum, marking his first trip to a major global power since the conflict in Ukraine began.
According to the Kremlin, both he and Xi are due to hold talks on the sidelines of the forum on Wednesday. "During the talks, special attention will be paid to international and regional issues," a statement by the Kremlin read.
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In recent events, Western countries, led by the US, have supported "Israel" since the beginning of the Palestinian resistance operation on October 7.
Reports recently revealed that the US asked China to use its influence to help de-escalate conflict.
China has been involved in brokering agreements in the Middle East, including facilitating discussions between Iran, a key supporter of Hamas, and Saudi Arabia.
China's envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, will visit the volatile region this week to advocate for a ceasefire and peace negotiations.
Russia, which has traditionally maintained good relations with Israeli and Palestinian authorities, has called for an immediate ceasefire.
Read more: US troops' reluctance: Refusing to die for "Israel": Report
The two global powers, China and Russia already entertain good trade relations, with a trade turnover reaching a record $190 billion last year.
China has faced criticism from Western countries for its stance on the Ukraine war, where it maintains neutrality and does not criticize Moscow's military operation.
Read more: Putin draws parallel between Israelis sieging Gaza, Leningrad siege
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) summit in China saw various diplomatic interactions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping began the summit on Tuesday with talks with Chilean and Kazakhstan Presidents Gabriel Boric and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is a prominent guest at the summit, and China and Russia displayed a united front in their diplomacy ahead of the forum.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed gratitude for China's invitation to Putin as the summit's "chief guest" and mentioned plans to visit the DPRK after his Beijing trip.
