Deliveries to Chinese customers ceased abruptly in April as a result of retaliatory tariffs sparked by deteriorating relations between Washington and Beijing.

Mr. Putin has courted Mr. Xi for years, in more than 40 personal meetings, and has cemented a far deeper partnership with China since invading Ukraine. The two countries have a natural economic synergy, with Russia being one of the world’s largest energy producers and China the world’s largest energy consumer.

Beijing has continued to welcome U.S.-made medical supplies despite a drive for economic independence.

A young Tibetan appointed by China’s atheist Communist Party as the second-highest leader of Tibetan Buddhism has pledged to make the religion more Chinese.

China’s new restrictions on rare earth exports have caused significant supply chain disruptions and price instability in global markets, impacting industries like automotive, renewable energy, and defense.

China has signalled for more than 15 years that it was looking to weaponise areas of the global supply chain, a strategy modelled on longstanding American export controls Beijing views as aimed at stalling its rise.

The newly minted International Organization for Mediation aims to resolve hotspot disputes with a "Chinese touch," Beijing's top diplomat said.