Xi-Putin summit

Insights from Bonny Lin.

The two leaders reaffirmed the "no limits" friendship between China and Russia in their first in-person meeting since 2019 – but they notably danced around the topic of Ukraine.

The most recent Putin-Xi summit inadvertently showcased the lack of positive agenda items underpinning the two nations' relationship.

Despite strategic convergence, and a public bromance between Putin and Xi, China-Russia economic relations remain underdeveloped.

Other regional leaders have made multiple appearances at the annual event in Vladivostok. This is Xi's first.

It will be the third time both leaders meet in this year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he will run again for president in 2018 after a third presidential term.

The recent summit has gone a long way to confirming the Russia-China rapprochement.