Vladimir Putin has arrived in China for a high-level meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the Russian president’s first visit to Beijing since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine last year.The two-day trip comes as Xi hosts one of the biggest events of China’s diplomatic calendar this year, the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the $1tn infrastructure building programme.

Putin, who the Kremlin has said is the “main guest” at the event, will meet Xi on Tuesday ahead of a summit on Wednesday.

China views Russia as an essential bulwark against what it sees as US attempts to counter its growing international influence. Beijing has carefully avoided any direct criticism of Moscow, refusing to condemn the Ukraine invasion and instructing its state media to echo Russian propaganda on the war.