Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Chinese Prime Minister Weng Jiabao. RIA Novosti / Aleksey DruzhininVladimir Putin Begins Key Visit To China -- The Telegraph
Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing for a key visit that will include negotiations over a $1 trillion (£640 billion) gas deal.
Mr Putin, who landed with a 160-strong delegation of tycoons and bureaucrats, is making his first foreign trip since he announced his intention to return as Russia's president.
Next year will be a year of political transition for both Russia and China, and analysts said Mr Putin would be keen to build ties with China's next generation of leaders.
Zhang Jianrong, a professor at the Shanghai Academy of Social Science, a government think tank, said Mr Putin would have the opportunity to meet Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang, the two men who are likely to take over as China's president and premier in 2012.
"This is a special visit," he said. "He should be able to have a good talk with China's next generation of leaders and begin to build a private relationship.
This is quite important for both countries."
My Comment: This alliance is only natural .... China needs resources and energy, Russia needs money. But I must (reluctantly) give credit to Putin .... he is looking at the big picture.
And what is the US response to all of this .... sighhh .... a possible trade war.