"Putin and Xi: Strengthening China-Russia Alliance Amidst Global Divisions"

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Belt and Road Initiative forum. The meeting is expected to be overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. China, not being a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), is not obligated to transfer Putin to The Hague for trial. Trade between China and Russia has been increasing since the invasion of Ukraine, with Beijing importing Russian oil. Putin has also accepted an invitation to visit North Korea after meeting with leader Kim Jong Un in Russia.