BEIJING (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday in a meeting meant to reaffirm ties and that takes place only days after a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to China.

Xi welcomed Putin with a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. The two delegations later held bilateral talks, to be followed by a ceremony for signing cooperation agreements.

Putin's visit comes just days after Trump's own trip to Beijing – in a sequence that is meant to cement Beijing's image as an influential superpower, experts say.

"The message is clearly one that China maintains friendship and strategic partnership with whichever power it likes, and the USA is just one of them," said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said earlier that there was "no connection" between Trump and Putin's visits, noting the trip by the Russian leader was agreed several days after Putin and Xi spoke via videoconference on Feb. 4.

The Russian and Chinese leaders are set to discuss energy and security as well as their overall ties. The two sides agreed to extend a friendship treaty first signed in 2001, Chinese state media reported.

China became Russia's top trading partner following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Beijing has said it is neutral in the conflict while maintaining trade ties with the Kremlin despite economic and financial sanctions by the U.S. and Europe.

China is the top customer for Russian oil and gas supplies, and Moscow expects the war in Iran to increase the demand. China also has ignored demands from the West to stop providing high-tech components for Russia's weapons industries.

Ushakov said Russia's oil exports to China grew by 35% in the first quarter of 2026 and that Russia is one of the biggest exporters of natural gas to China.

During "the crisis in the Middle East," Russia remains a reliable energy supplier and China is a "responsible consumer," Ushakov said.

Putin noted earlier this month that Moscow and Beijing have reached "a very substantial step forward in our cooperation in the oil and gas sector."

"Practically all the key issues have been agreed upon," he said. "If we succeed in finalizing these details and bringing them to a conclusion during this visit, I will be extremely pleased."

Kem Sokha, Cambodia's former opposition leader who remains under house arrest, was reunited with his critically ill mother on the morning of 20 May after authorities granted permission for the visit. According to his lawyer, Pheng Heng, Kem Sokha was escorted by Ministry of Interior officers to visit his mother, Sao Nget, at his sibling's home in a gated community in Phnom Penh. The request for the visit was submitted on 19 May amid concerns over her worsening condition. A video posted on Pheng Heng's Facebook page on 20 May showed the 72-year-old politician embracing his mother in tears, while she appeared to hold him close and offer a blessing. Sao Nget is believed to be around 100 years old. Kem Sokha, former president of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was sentenced by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in 2023 to 27 years in prison on treason charges, although the court ordered him to serve the sentence under home detention. He was arrested in 2017 over allegations of conspiring with a "foreign power" to overthrow the Cambodian government. The court also imposed a lifetime ban on his involvement in politics.

A speedboat used to transport tourists to Koh Thalu caught fire in Bang Saphan Noi district on 20 May, leaving the vessel heavily damaged and its driver injured. According to local sources, the two-engine speedboat belonged to a tour company operating trips from the mainland to Koh Thalu. The boat, which had been in service for around seven to eight years, had reportedly experienced engine problems and had recently undergone repairs. The incident occurred while the boat was parked near the shoreline due to shallow water conditions preventing it from docking at the pier as usual. Sources said the driver was preparing the vessel to pick up tourists when a loud explosion-like sound was heard as the engine was started, before flames rapidly engulfed the boat. The driver reportedly suffered burns to his arms and body while attempting to use onboard fire extinguishers to control the blaze. However, the fire spread too quickly and damaged most of the vessel. He later jumped into the sea to escape and was taken to hospital for treatment. Initial damage was estimated at around 3-4 million baht. No tourists were injured, as passengers were transferred to another boat operated by the same company to continue their trip to Koh Thalu.

Ajarn Khata Shinbunchon has posted zodiac predictions for Jupiter's transition at the end of this month: "All 12 zodiac signs will receive blessings as Jupiter moves into Cancer on May 31, 2569 at 21:45. Don't forget to pray to Jupiter together." Here are the predictions for all 12 signs following Jupiter's shift on May 31, 2569:

Aries: Career fortunes stand highest with major job advancement and fresh starts in better positions.

Taurus: Communication shines bright with opportunities for wealth through words and networking.

Gemini: Financial prospects are prominent with previously blocked situations clearing and opportunities for lump sum gains and new income streams.

Cancer: A major 12-year cycle opens with blessings in luck, authority, compassion, career, finances, family, and clear life stability and growth.

Leo: Enters an ascending phase where past exhaustion and friction dissolve, creating opportunities for security.

Virgo: Stands strong in self-building with harder work than usual, but dedication leads to success.

Libra: Receives trust from authority figures with gradual progress where discipline leads to stable success.

Scorpio: Lucky in prosperity with opportunities for distant travel, international education, and life-changing knowledge.

Sagittarius: Love shines prominently with single signs finding new beginnings and couples strengthening their bonds.

Capricorn: Relationship fortunes stand out with support from the opposite gender and improved relationships.

Aquarius: Opportunities arise to manage home and family matters with responsibilities, but this period builds life stability.

Pisces: Love, happiness, children, and creative work yield good results with positive news bringing joy.

Source: Khata Shinbunchon

Prime Minister Anuthun Charnveerakul will travel to France to discuss economic policy with President Emmanuel Macron, promote energy security, and elevate Thailand's soft power on the world stage. During his May 21-27 visit, the PM will meet with leaders and key figures from multiple sectors, including a dinner with President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen Thailand-France relations toward a strategic partnership. This year marks 170 years of official diplomatic relations between the two countries, with cooperation planned in trade, investment, energy, transportation, defense, and aerospace. The PM will also meet with the International Energy Agency (IEA) director to promote energy security and UNESCO leadership to advance cultural cooperation, including registering Thai traditional dress as intangible cultural heritage and promoting Thai fashion, crafts, tourism, and soft power internationally. He will engage with French private sector representatives from MEDEF International and other industries to attract investment in major Thai projects, particularly in aviation, aerospace, clean energy, and defense. Additionally, the PM will participate in meetings with Thai diplomats and consuls across Europe and meet with the Thai community in France, which plays an important role in promoting Thai culture and enhancing Thailand's image and brand value internationally.