China's Xi heads to Russia in visit for 'peace'

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a state visit to Russia on Monday (Mar 20), a trip Beijing has touted as a "visit for peace" as it seeks to play mediator in Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.

Xi's three-day trip is his first to Russia - a major Chinese ally - for nearly four years, and has been described by Moscow as ushering in a "new era" in relations.

It also comes over a year after Russia's attack on its European neighbour isolated Moscow on the international stage.

The trip will be closely watched in Western capitals for signs Xi may push for peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv. The Wall Street Journal has reported Xi could also be planning his first call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since the war began.