China has rolled out the red carpet for the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin.<br/> <br />Putin's arrival in Shanghai ahead of an Asia conference was received with all the full pomp and circumstance.<br/> <br />The two countries are --for the moment in step -- and hoping to deepen ties.<br/> <br />Ahead of his visit Putin said the cooperation between China and Russia was "at its highest level in history".<br/> <br />The summit is drawing delegations from nearly 40 countries and organisations and it comes as both countries face international criticism.<br/> <br />Russia has been condemned for its part in the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and Moscow has also deployed troops near the border of Ukraine, sparking concerns about a possible invasion.<br/> <br />For its part, China has attracted criticism for recent actions in the South China Sea.<br/> <br />But while both countries see eye-to eye on many diplomatic issues, Russia is also looking to pursue an energy deal, which would see it pumping gas to China.
