President Putin arrives in Beijing for state visit

BEIJING:  Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a state visit to China, where he was received by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The visit, which comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a trip to China, marks Putin’s 25th official visit to the country, according to Chinese media.

A guard of honour was presented at the airport by Chinese military personnel, while young supporters waved Russian and Chinese flags to welcome the Russian leader.

According to Chinese state media, Putin will stay at the Diaoyutai State Guest House, a traditional venue for hosting foreign dignitaries. His official programme is scheduled to begin Wednesday with a ceremony at Tiananmen Square, followed by talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chinese media highlighted contrasts in diplomatic protocol between recent visits by Putin and Trump, noting that Trump was received by China’s vice president and stayed at a five-star hotel near the U.S. embassy, with his visit concluding with a tea meeting and working lunch at Zhongnanhai.

Analysts cited by state media said the differences in protocol reflect varying levels of diplomatic relations, with Washington’s ties with Beijing remaining strained compared to what China describes as a closer strategic partnership with Moscow.

Putin’s visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the China–Russia Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation, which is widely seen as a foundation of bilateral relations.