China prepares for summit under shadow of Israel-Gaza warBEIJINGChina prepared on Monday to host representatives of 130 countries for a forum that will be overshadowed by the Israel-Gaza war, as an increasingly assertive Beijing is asked to help de-escalate the violence. China has refused to condemn the Ukraine war in an effort to position itself as a neutral party, while at the same time offering Moscow vital diplomatic and financial support. "President Putin pointed out that a multipolar world is taking shape, and the concepts and initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping are highly relevant and significant," CGTN reported. "He stated that President Xi Jinping is a well-recognised leader on the world stage and is a true world leader," it said. Putin also reportedly "shared pleasant memories between President Xi and him, and hoped tradition continues when they meet in China in the future."
