Putin gives China energy boost

Vladimir Putin, seated on the left, watches a performance by a monk in Shaolin during his state visit to China. The Russian President, who has a black belt in judo, flew to Shaolin, the city said to be the birthplace of kung fu, before returning to Moscow.

During his visit, Mr Putin confirmed to Hu Jintao, the Chinese President, the opening of a gas pipeline from Russia to China within five years and pledged to construct a pipeline to bring Siberian oil to the booming Chinese economy. “We should see various ways to co-operate in energy and resources,” he said. “We should work hard on the exploration of energy, such as oil and gas.”

The two leaders also issued a 13-page declaration on building closer political ties in the hope of counterbalancing US global dominance.