Putin's China Pivot Falls Flat: A Pipeline Deal Eludes Him, Again Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing this week was a masterclass in diplomatic doublespeak.
On the surface, it seemed like business as usual for the two leaders: Xi Jinping and Putin exchanged warm words about their "strategic cooperation" and "partnership.
" But beneath all this sentimental language lies a stark reality – Russia's energy ambitions in China have hit another roadblock.