Putin Arrives in Beijing on the Evening of the 19th, Greeted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

(CNA, Taipei, 20th) Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on the evening of the 19th aboard a special plane, commencing a state visit to China. He was received by Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and China's Foreign Minister. According to a report from China's state-run CCTV News last night, Putin's special plane landed at Beijing Capital International Airport at 11:12 PM on the 19th, marking his 25th visit to China. The Chinese side held a welcoming ceremony for Putin at the airport. After accompanying him down the red carpet, Wang Yi saw Putin off as he departed by car. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet with Putin today to exchange views on bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, and international and regional issues of common concern. Putin's visit follows the conclusion of a visit to China by U.S. President Donald Trump. Observers believe Putin intends to use this visit to demonstrate the unbreakable nature of Russia-China relations. In a video address before his departure, Putin stated that Russia hopes for closer relations and greater mutual understanding between the peoples of Russia and China. Putin emphasized, 'I am confident that together, we will continue to do everything possible to deepen the Russia-China partnership and good-neighborly friendship, promote the prosperous development of both countries for the benefit of our peoples, and safeguard global security and stability.'