In a high-stakes diplomatic arena, the Great Hall of the People in Beijing witnessed a surprising turn of events. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer from the United States had urged China’s leader, Xi Jinping, to distance himself from Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Schumer argued that Putin, widely regarded as a pariah in the Western world, was hindering China’s ambitions. However, instead of heeding this counsel, China extended a warm welcome to Putin in Beijing, marking his first major foreign visit since facing accusations of war crimes in Ukraine by the International Criminal Court.

Putin’s arrival in the Chinese capital, captured on state-media footage, showcased the warmth of their reception. He was seen shaking hands with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on the tarmac and receiving an elaborate red-carpet welcome from a military honor guard.

This development highlights the enduring ties between Moscow and Beijing, despite the United States’ efforts to intervene, nearly 20 months into the Ukraine conflict. The trade links between Russia and China are thriving, with Chinese companies supplying Russia with critical technologies that have become scarce due to U.S. sanctions, including semiconductors and industrial machinery. In return, China significantly imports Russian oil and gas, which in turn bolsters Moscow’s financial stability.

This week, Putin’s visit to Beijing holds strategic significance as he lends his support to Xi’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. For the past decade, this initiative has spearheaded economic expansion through railroad, port, and other projects, solidifying Chinese economic influence abroad.