China and Russia to strengthen military and economic ties
China and Russia will seek to strengthen their existing military and economic ties during a visit by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, where 30 deals are set to be signed. Among them is a Chinese loan for a RUB 400bn ($6.2bn) high-speed rail link, as Russia seeks to ease the pressure of western sanctions. As we previously noted, two Chinese state banks have already pledged $12bn for a scheme to develop a liquefied natural gas plant in the Russian Arctic, in a deal which would see China import 68 billion cubic metres of gas annually. In return, China will be looking for continued Russian support over the South China Sea dispute. Mr Putin is set to begin his state visit on 25 June.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow in March 2016. Photo: AFP