Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on trade and cultural exchanges Friday on his state visit to China that started with bonhomie in Beijing and a summit with China's leader Xi Jinping that deepened their “no-limits” partnership as both countries face rising tensions with the West.

The United States said on Thursday that China cannot have stronger ties with Europe and other countries while supporting Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine.

In France, Xi made no commitment to change course on Ukraine. As Blinken intimated, however, China will soon have to decide what is more important: Selling to the EU or supporting Russia’s war efforts. So far, it has been able to do both, but that cannot last much longer.