US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan pledged Wednesday during a visit to Beijing that Washington would defend its regional allies, after Japan and the Philippines blamed China for stoking tensions.

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Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister of Bangladesh, ended her trip to China a day early because she was reportedly "upset" that Beijing had not followed through on its pledge of financial support and had not accorded her the proper etiquette.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping met Wednesday for the second time in two months. Markus Garlauskas, director of the Atlantic Council's Indo-Pacific Security Initiative, joins to discuss.

SCO Summit: China, Russia hold bilateral meet on SCO sidelines; Putin, Xi hail stable ties

The leaders of Russia and China were in Kazakhstan on Wednesday for a regional summit, seeking to harden anti-Western alliances and press their influence in the strategic Central Asian region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in the Kazakh capital of Astana Wednesday morning for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) -- a Beijing-led regional bloc that covers Central Asia, India and Iran.

Moscow and Beijing have deepened their political, military and economic ties since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-using-relatives-to-conceal-7072mn-wealth-says-report-730561" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-using-relatives-to-conceal-7072mn-wealth-says-report-730561&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwkK6t04qHAxXfbmwGHaNZBwIQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AydVFDwDKc7z_GFbD9ehM&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-using-relatives-to-conceal-7072mn-wealth-says-report-730561" target="_blank">Xi Jinping&nbsp;using relatives to conceal $707.2mn wealth, says report</a>

Alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who arrived in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, the pair sees the SCO as a key forum for advancing their strategic interests across Eurasia.

"We attach great importance to partnership cooperation within this organisation," Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told Russian state media outlets ahead of Putin's arrival.

"We believe that the SCO, as well as the second major association of BRICS, are the main pillars of the new world order, a locomotive in the context of establishing genuine multilateralism in world affairs," he added.

Both Russia and China have railed against what they call a US-led "hegemony" on the world stage.

China's Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said earlier this week that Beijing believed the SCO summit would "help build more consensus among all parties and make contributions to promoting security, stability and development of member countries", and advance "lasting peace and common prosperity in the world".&nbsp;

<h2>- Rivalry -</h2>

Despite inking a "no limits" strategic partnership just days before Russia invaded Ukraine, Moscow and Beijing have been historic rivals for influence in the Central Asian region.

The five countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan -- are ex-Soviet republics and have historic cultural, linguistic and economic ties to Russia.

But China's rising economic power and sprawling investment in the region has challenged Russian influence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/with-xi-jinping-in-europe-china-plays-geopolitics-720020" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/with-xi-jinping-in-europe-china-plays-geopolitics-720020&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwkK6t04qHAxXfbmwGHaNZBwIQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3N8i6QFpBtUHDFyn7Y3hc9&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/with-xi-jinping-in-europe-china-plays-geopolitics-720020" target="_blank">With&nbsp;Xi Jinping&nbsp;in Europe, China plays geopolitics</a>

Central Asia is crucial to China's flagship Belt and Road international infrastructure development project.

The region is rich in natural resources and crucial for the overland transport of goods between China and Europe.

Russia's war on Ukraine has also been seen as creating an opening for other powers to swoop into regions that have been traditionally aligned with Moscow.

The ultra-closed Turkmenistan is not a member of the SCO, but the four others are, alongside India, Iran and Pakistan.

The nine-member bloc is complemented by 14 "dialogue partners", such as Turkey and several Gulf states.

Alongside the forum's main sessions, the Kremlin said Putin planned to meet bilaterally with a number of leaders at the summit, probably to include Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

NATO member Turkey is positioning itself as a possible mediator in the Ukraine war.

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Russia's close ally Belarus is expected to join the SCO at the meeting after being told at the 2023 summit that it would become a member.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also set to address the two-day summit on Thursday.

The leaders of Russia and China were in Kazakhstan on Wednesday for a regional summit, seeking to harden anti-Western alliances and press their influence in the strategic Central Asian region.

The leaders of Russia and China were in Kazakhstan on Wednesday for a regional summit, seeking to harden anti-Western alliances and press their influence in the strategic Central Asian region. Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in the Kazakh capital of Astana Wednesday morning for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) -- a Beijing-led regional bloc that covers Central Asia, India and Iran. Moscow and Beijing have deepened their political, military and economic ties since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Also read: Xi Jinping using relatives to conceal $707.2mn wealth, says report Alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who arrived in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, the pair sees the SCO as a key forum for advancing their strategic interests across Eurasia. "We attach great importance to partnership cooperation within this organisation," Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told Russian state media outlets ahead of Putin's arrival. "We believe that the SCO, as well as the second major association of BRICS, are the main pillars of the new world order, a locomotive in the context of establishing genuine multilateralism in world affairs," he added. Both Russia and China have railed against what they call a US-led "hegemony" on the world stage. China's Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said earlier this week that Beijing believed the SCO summit would "help build more consensus among all parties and make contributions to promoting security, stability and development of member countries", and advance "lasting peace and common prosperity in the world". - Rivalry - Despite inking a "no limits" strategic partnership just days before Russia invaded Ukraine, Moscow and Beijing have been historic rivals for influence in the Central Asian region. The five countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan -- are ex-Soviet republics and have historic cultural, linguistic and economic ties to Russia. But China's rising economic power and sprawling investment in the region has challenged Russian influence. Also read: With Xi Jinping in Europe, China plays geopolitics Central Asia is crucial to China's flagship Belt and Road international infrastructure development project. The region is rich in natural resources and crucial for the overland transport of goods between China and Europe. Russia's war on Ukraine has also been seen as creating an opening for other powers to swoop into regions that have been traditionally aligned with Moscow. The ultra-closed Turkmenistan is not a member of the SCO, but the four others are, alongside India, Iran and Pakistan. The nine-member bloc is complemented by 14 "dialogue partners", such as Turkey and several Gulf states. Alongside the forum's main sessions, the Kremlin said Putin planned to meet bilaterally with a number of leaders at the summit, probably to include Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. NATO member Turkey is positioning itself as a possible mediator in the Ukraine war. Also read: President Xi Jinping's 'common prosperity' campaign in focus Russia's close ally Belarus is expected to join the SCO at the meeting after being told at the 2023 summit that it would become a member. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also set to address the two-day summit on Thursday.

Putin, Xi vie for influence at Central Asian summit

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that China will welcome Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as well as a number of other Arab leaders to Beijing this week.

Strong Arab-China ties: Egypt's el-Sisi and other Arab leaders to head to China this week

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Ready to hold peace talks: Putin | Air strike continues over Gaza

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Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade and as Beijing seeks to deepen its polical and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

China President Xi Jinping visits Serbia: Xi hails ironclad friendship between China & Serbia

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China is significantly aiding Russia's military build-up, the largest since the Soviet era. According to a US assessment report, China has increased sales of technology crucial for weapon production, including machine tools and microelectronics, which Russia is using to build missiles, tanks, and aircraft for its war against Ukraine.

US officials are hopeful that sharing the intelligence will motivate European allies to apply pressure on China. This comes as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz prepares to visit Beijing over the weekend and G7 foreign ministers convene in Italy next week.

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According to US findings, China helped Russia in the production of drones, space-based capabilities and machine-tool exports vital for producing ballistic missiles.

China has become a lifeline for Russia's struggling defence industry, particularly after setbacks since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a senior US official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

“Russia is launching its biggest military expansion since the Cold War, happening even faster than we initially anticipated,” said the US official.

“We believe the most critical step to aid Ukraine right now is convincing China to stop assisting Russia in rebuilding its military production capacity,” he further added, “Russia's war effort heavily relies on Chinese support, and without it, they'd struggle to continue.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/russia-conducts-successful-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-test-launch-710685" target="_blank">Russia conducts successful intercontinental ballistic missile test launch</a>

US officials said that China provided more than 70 per cent of the $900m (£723m) in machine tools – probably used to build ballistic missiles – imported in the last quarter of 2023 by Russia.

90 per cent of Russia’s microelectronics imports – used to produce missiles, tanks and aircraft – came from China last year, claimed US.

The US hopes European nations, facing China's economic importance, can leverage trade pressure.

Secretary of State Blinken is expected to raise the issue at upcoming G7 talks. High-level US visits, including a recent Biden-Xi call, aim to manage tensions while addressing concerns.

Blinken is also planning a visit in the coming weeks to China, on the heels of a trip by the treasury secretary, Janet Yellen.

The US emphasises its commitment to European stability and holding China accountable if Russia advances.&nbsp;

Additionally, the US and UK banned metal imports and trading of Russian aluminium, copper, and nickel to further restrict Russia's finances.

(With inputs from agencies)

China is significantly aiding Russia's military build-up, the largest since the Soviet era. According to a US assessment report, China has increased sales of technology crucial for weapon production, including machine tools and microelectronics, which Russia is using to build missiles, tanks, and aircraft for its war against Ukraine.

China is significantly aiding Russia's military build-up, the largest since the Soviet era. According to a US assessment report, China has increased sales of technology crucial for weapon production, including machine tools and microelectronics, which Russia is using to build missiles, tanks, and aircraft for its war against Ukraine. US officials are hopeful that sharing the intelligence will motivate European allies to apply pressure on China. This comes as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz prepares to visit Beijing over the weekend and G7 foreign ministers convene in Italy next week. Also read: Russia puts 'conditions' for resuming the suspended nuclear treaty with US According to US findings, China helped Russia in the production of drones, space-based capabilities and machine-tool exports vital for producing ballistic missiles. China has become a lifeline for Russia's struggling defence industry, particularly after setbacks since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a senior US official told reporters on condition of anonymity. “Russia is launching its biggest military expansion since the Cold War, happening even faster than we initially anticipated,” said the US official. “We believe the most critical step to aid Ukraine right now is convincing China to stop assisting Russia in rebuilding its military production capacity,” he further added, “Russia's war effort heavily relies on Chinese support, and without it, they'd struggle to continue.” Also read: Russia conducts successful intercontinental ballistic missile test launch US officials said that China provided more than 70 per cent of the $900m (£723m) in machine tools – probably used to build ballistic missiles – imported in the last quarter of 2023 by Russia. 90 per cent of Russia’s microelectronics imports – used to produce missiles, tanks and aircraft – came from China last year, claimed US. The US hopes European nations, facing China's economic importance, can leverage trade pressure. Secretary of State Blinken is expected to raise the issue at upcoming G7 talks. High-level US visits, including a recent Biden-Xi call, aim to manage tensions while addressing concerns. Blinken is also planning a visit in the coming weeks to China, on the heels of a trip by the treasury secretary, Janet Yellen. The US emphasises its commitment to European stability and holding China accountable if Russia advances. Additionally, the US and UK banned metal imports and trading of Russian aluminium, copper, and nickel to further restrict Russia's finances. (With inputs from agencies)

US accuses China of backing Russia’s extensive military expansion

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US President Joe Biden & China President Xi Jinping engaged in a crucial phone call. While, China state-agency described the call as candid and in-depth, there were a lot of things on cards as they discussed bilateral ties and global issues.

Biden, Xi Jinping discuss US-China ties & conflict

Chinese President Xi Jinping gave the order for his forces to prepare for war in the East and South China Seas on Thursday during a recent parliament meeting, as Beijing continues to assert its economic and political dominance over other nations.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on Tuesday that the promotion of new productive forces as growth catalysts must not give rise to economic bubbles or unfettered expansion as Beijing seeks to build momentum in solidifying the nation’s recovery.

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China has set the 2024 growth target for the economy at around 5%, which is not an easy task, Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday (March 5).

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The government of Russia has announced that Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will begin an official two-day visit to China on Tuesday. According to the agreement reached with the Chinese side, Mikhail Mishustin will visit China on December 19–20, according to a statement released by the Russian government on Telegram on Monday.

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Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on a 2-day visit to China

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French President Emmanuel Macron's government is in crisis after opposition parties united to defeat a key immigration bill. MPs from the far right, far left and moderate parties voted on Monday to reject the draft law. The left argued its measures were too repressive, while the right said they were not tough enough.

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Xi Jinping, the Chinese president and general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, is making a state visit to Vietnam from December 12 to 13, at the invitation of Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, and Vo Van Thuong, the state president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's first trip to Vietnam since 2017

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President Xi Jinping will visit neighbouring Vietnam next week to push for deeper ties between the socialist neighbours. According to officials, the visit is from December 12 to 13. Xi's state visit is expected to promote partnership between China and Vietnam. According to officials, the two countries will focus on areas of political security, multilateral and maritime issues. China is Vie

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Vietnam

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