Meanwhile Russia said it supported Beijing's One China policy, which asserts that self-ruled Taiwan is a breakaway province that will eventually be part of China again.

However, Taiwan sees itself as an independent country, with its own constitution and democratically-elected leaders.

They had lunch, they had talks then they went off to see a show together - a big show.

Vladimir Putin is the star guest in Beijing for the start of the winter games. Of more significance to this visit is the increased co-operation and shared view of the world that Presidents Xi and Putin are keen to show.

No surprise whatsoever with this.


Mustn't have any of that democracy silliness going on. Just ask the people of Hong Kong.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Sunday that Russia could invade Ukraine "any day," launching a conflict that would come at an "enormous human cost."

The senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden offered another stark warning the day after U.S. officials confirmed that Russia has assembled at least 70% of the military firepower it likely intends to have in place by mid-month to give President Vladimir Putin the option of launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"If war breaks out, it will come at an enormous human cost to Ukraine, but we believe that based on our preparations and our response, it will come at a strategic cost to Russia as well," Sullivan said.

If Vladimir Putin does decide to invade Ukraine, units of the notorious Russian Guard, or Rosgvardiya, will follow behind combat units to impose order on the occupied lands.
There are two Rosgvardiyas; one formally described by the state, and the other described by those encountering its brutal street violence. Units from this force are now being deployed near Ukraine, according to open-source intelligence organizations.