China and Russia deepen energy links

But Beijing remains somewhat cautious in an attempt to avoid alienating the West

Russian president Vladimir Putin is likely hoping Moscow will be the first overseas destination Chinese leader Xi Jinping visits this year. A trip would be a public show of solidarity by Beijing for the Kremlin, buttressing the “no limits” relationship that reached new levels last year thanks to record energy trade. Putin told Xi in a videoconference at the end of last year that he was anticipating a state visit by China’s leader this spring. “Your visit will become the main political event of the year in bilateral relations,” said Putin. Xi did not respond to the invitation but agreed to cooperate on trade, energy, finance and agriculture, according to an official Chinese account of the eve