Vladimir Putin expected to arrive in Beijing for state visit shortly after Trump's departure

Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for a state visit, four days after Donald Trump left China, reports The Guardian.

Putin's visit to China, 25th according to Chinese state media, reflects Beijing's growing confidence on the world stage as a centre of global diplomatic activity.

It also highlights the deep relationship between Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Both men have met more than 40 times, significantly exceeding Xi's meetings with any Western leader.

Waiting for two of the most powerful leaders in the world within a few days shows China's growing confidence in the country and its position in the world, William Yang, senior analyst in the International Crisis Group, said.

He said Xi “probably wants to remind Trump that Beijing has other strong and stable relationships where it can rely, so Washington cannot easily isolate or harm Beijing if it tries to do so”.

Putin's visit comes at a time when he is entering what may be the most difficult period of his long rule. His image as strong domestic leader has begun to fade, as Russia has made little progress on the battlefield in Ukraine this year. Russia's growing economic difficulties are constantly increasing its dependence on China, turning what the Kremlin presents as partnership among the equals in a much more unbalananized relationship.