Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping make a toast during a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on 21 March, 2023. Photo: AFP / Pavel Byrkin
A comedian in Beijing has found himself in serious hot water after joking about the Chinese military, in a case that highlights the deterioration of freedom of speech in China.
Xi Jinping continues to steer China to closer ties with Russia despite rising international pressure.
Meanwhile Joe Biden has signalled a ‘thaw’ in relations between the US and China but there are several new flashpoints emerging too, including China's hacking, computer chips sanctions and fishing.
Ed White is a correspondent with the Financial Times.
