Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in China to attend President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative forum, marking his first major international visit since the Ukraine invasion. The leaders are expected to discuss international and regional issues, with the Israel-Hamas conflict taking center stage. Western countries seek China’s influence to de-escalate the war. China, a neutral actor on the Ukraine war, enjoys a close economic relationship with Russia. Despite expectations of a strengthening alliance, experts predict no major agreements during the forum. Putin and Xi’s friendship remains a cornerstone of the Sino-Russian partnership, emphasizing their shared strategic interests.