China to cement Russia ties before G-20

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday for a three-day trip, timed just before this month's G-20 and reflecting their burgeoning bilateral dialogue. Yet it is not just this growing warmth that is driving relations, but also the current chilliness of their ties with the United States.

On China's side, for instance, relations with Washington have become increasingly frosty following the apparent breakdown of high-level trade talks last month. This follows the decision of both sides to ramp up sanctions after US President Donald Trump accused Beijing of "breaking the deal" by seeking to roll back what he claims were previous Chinese commitments in areas such as state subsidies.

At the same time, the US-Russia relationship remains semi-frozen too. At last month's meetings between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Mr Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the mood music was subdued - albeit with both sides pledging to work with each other where possible.