Russian President Vladimir Putin has touched down in Beijing for talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. This marks Putin’s inaugural international visit since embarking on his unprecedented fifth presidential term, secured through an election where he faced virtually no opposition. The rendezvous, the third of its kind in just over a year, unfolds against the backdrop of Russia’s enduring incursion into Ukraine, which has persisted for over two years. Confronted with a barrage of sanctions from the US and its western allies aimed at paralyzing Moscow’s military capabilities, Russia has turned to China for support amid the punitive measures. While accusations have been leveled against Beijing for allegedly aiding Moscow’s military endeavors by providing technological know-how and components, China contends that none of these resources are intended for lethal purposes and instead possess commercial applications. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has issued a cautionary note, indicating that Washington will take action if China continues to furnish Russia with such items, albeit without specifying the nature of the response.