World Leaders Converge in Beijing Despite China Tensions, Seeking Economic Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Beijing despite Russia's isolation over the Ukraine war, underscoring China's economic and diplomatic support. Russia aims to increase trade with China and build infrastructure like the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe is attending after Sri Lanka defaulted on debts and handed over a strategic port to China. He is expected to discuss restructuring $4.2 billion in Chinese loans.

Kenya's President William Ruto is expected to seek funding for the second phase of a Chinese-built railway from Mombasa to Nairobi. Kenya owes China about $6 billion.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo recently opened a Chinese-funded high-speed railway in Java and plans to discuss extending it.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban is the only EU leader attending amid uncertainty over a Chinese-backed railway project in Hungary.