Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, with both sides focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing energy cooperation. Multiple reports say the visit is Putin’s first foreign trip of the year and that negotiations are centered on a long-stalled natural gas pipeline project known as “Power of Siberia 2.” Bloomberg and The Moscow Times describe the trip as an effort to renew pressure to finalize the project, which has been a major element of Russia-China energy plans. France 24 reports that Xi and Putin discuss Power of Siberia 2 during the summit and that, while the pipeline is on the agenda, no deal is reached during the discussions covered in its reporting. France 24 also says Xi links the stability of energy supplies to the cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, referencing the broader context for energy markets. Bloomberg notes the energy agenda as a key focus and frames the visit amid changing regional dynamics, including developments related to the Middle East, as an opportunity for Russia to deepen energy links with China. The summit is described as lasting about two days.