Ties now are “at an unprecedented level,” Putin said at the start of the meeting Wednesday. TensionsXi’s warm embrace of Putin comes as he’s locked in an escalating trade war with Washington. The share of trade with Russia held by China has almost doubled to 20% since then at Europe’s expense. About 1,000 Chinese officials and business executives will attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the biggest foreign delegation. The Chinese president, who will attend the opening of a Chinese car plant Wednesday, will leave for St. Petersburg Thursday, where he’ll receive an honorary doctorate from Putin’s alma mater.

Source: National Post June 05, 2019 14:26 UTC