Putin arrives in Beijing for meeting with China’s Xi

Name: WORLD
Price range: $

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to China. On Tuesday, Putin is scheduled to participate in a two-day forum that will mark one decade of China’s global infrastructure program, the Belt and Road Initiative. Putin on Friday said Moscow wants to link China’s policy with the development goals of ex-Soviet Union nations. Putin arrived in the country on Tuesday, news media reported.

Why are Western leaders concerned about the visit? Moscow and Beijing have strengthened economic and political ties in recent months. Russia has increased energy exports to China, while Western powers have sanctioned Russia in response to the war in Ukraine. Last week, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged China to use its influence with Russia to end the war. Beijing has not formally condemned Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Dig deeper: Read Jill Nelson’s report in WORLD Magazine about who supports the Russian military during its invasion of Ukraine.

Lauren Canterberry

Lauren Canterberry is a reporter for WORLD. She graduated from the World Journalism Institute and the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, both in 2017. She worked as a local reporter in Texas and now lives in Georgia with her husband.