BBC :
More than two years into his invasion of Ukraine, China has emerged as a vital ally. It has refused to condemn the war and continues to trade with a heavily sanctioned Russia, much to the ire of the US and the European Union.
However, it appears Mr Putin wants more. But is China willing to pay the price?
It is perhaps not surprising the Russian leader has chosen China as his first foreign trip since he was sworn in for a fifth presidential term last week. The two-day state visit comes as their relationship reached its “highest level ever”, he told Chinese state media. He spoke of his interest in Chinese martial arts and philosophy, and said some of his family are learning Mandarin.
“In the face of a difficult international situation, our relations are still strengthening,” he said.
But while Mr Putin brags about their friendship, Mr Xi might have reason to worry.
The US has just announced a raft of new sanctions against Beijing and Hong Kong-based banks and companies that work with Moscow, allegedly helping to evade existing restrictions.
Because, while China is not selling arms to Russia, Washington and Brussels believe it is exporting tech and components essential for war. During his recent trip to Beijing, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the BBC that China was “helping fuel the biggest threat” to European security since the Cold War.
For them, this has become a red line. But China insists its stance on Ukraine is neutral – and the exports, which have commercial uses outside of war, are not breaking the rules.