Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China this morning for a two-day official visit. This is his first trip abroad since he began his fifth term in office. Mr. Putin was welcomed by Chinese officials as he stepped off the boarding ramp. Russia’s presidential office said Mr. Putin will hold summit talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping today and the two leaders will sign joint documents.
Mr. Putin’s delegation includes Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, new Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, a string of deputy prime ministers and heads of state-owned enterprises. They are expected to take part in an expanded meeting.