Putin (RUS) Visits Beijing for Strategic Summit with Xi

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Beijing for a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking their second meeting in the past year. The summit aims to advance the 'privileged and strategic partnership' amid Western sanctions limiting Russia's trade. Moscow's 2023 growth forecast has been slashed to 0.4% from 1.3% due to pressures from the Ukraine conflict, which has made China's support increasingly vital for Russia. The meeting is expected to focus on expanding bilateral cooperation despite recent improved ties between China and the U.S.