BEIJING, Oct 18 (BBC/Reuter): Russian leader Vladimir Putin was given the red carpet treatment at a global summit in Beijing, as China and Russia deepen their solidarity. Hosted by China's President Xi Jinping, the meeting celebrated 10 years of his signature foreign and economic policy, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Mr Putin was the guest of honour among leaders and officials from more than 130 countries. He has rarely left his country since invading Ukraine in February last year.
Not only is he facing increasing diplomatic isolation, he has also been issued an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
Mr Putin is highly unlikely to be arrested in China as Beijing is not a state party to the statues of the ICC. He and Mr Xi are known for their close relationship, with the Chinese leader famously declaring their countries had a "no limits friendship" just before the war began.
Wednesday's proceedings kicked off with an opening ceremony held in Beijing's Great Hall of the People. Mr Xi made his entrance together with Mr Putin, with the two striding into the hall shoulder-to-shoulder in front of other countries' leaders.
Filmed with Russian N briefcase
Rare footage was shown on Wednesday of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing accompanied by officers carrying the so-called nuclear briefcase which can be used to order a nuclear strike. Putin, after a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, was filmed walking to another meeting surrounded by security and followed by two Russian naval officers in uniform each carrying a briefcase. The camera zooms in on one of the briefcases.
Putin given red carpet treatment at Belt and Road summit
FE Team | Published: October 18, 2023 23:11:36
Putin given red carpet treatment at Belt and Road summit
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