A roster of non-Western leaders converged on Beijing, providing audience and affirmation for China’s leadership ambitions.
Putin’s praise for Xi coincided with a pipeline pact to supply 50bn cubic meters annually to China.
Kim Jong-un’s arrival, with Kim Ju-ae, brought North Korea into sharper focus.
Putin’s meeting with Robert Fico underscored debates over Europe’s energy flows and Ukraine’s trajectory.
Visa-free travel for Russians and new cooperation documents extended the week’s agenda into daily life.
