Birthday best wishes rarely come freighted with so much significance.But when it is Russia's embattled president, Vladimir V. Putin, flattering his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, even such seemingly small gestures send a message to the world, not least to their Western rivals.Mr. Putin sent Mr. Xi a congratulatory telegram when the Chinese leader turned 70 on Thursday, wishing his dear friend good health, happiness and success, further cementing the image of a personal bond between the two authoritarian leaders.
#back #years #united-states #potentially #getty-images #partnership #increasingly #alternative #european-union #historically
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