Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed Russia-China ties as a global “stabilising” force ahead of talks with Xi Jinping, as both nations deepen strategic, economic and diplomatic cooperation.

The relationship endures despite a power imbalance, with both sides recognising that it is too important to fail.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China and hold talks with President Xi Jinping this week and a Kremlin aide said on Monday that the proposed ​Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline will be discussed in detail.

An earthquake measuring magnitude 5.1 struck China on May 18 and was felt as far away as Vietnam, according to the USGS.

ESA-China SMILE mission lifts off to deliver first global images of Earth's magnetosphere The SMILE mission developed jointly by the European Space Agency and China has reached orbit after more than a decade of preparations and cooperation.

China’s cross-border inflow resumed in April following a reversal in March, reinforcing confidence in the economy and an appreciating yuan.

HONG KONG, May 19 (Reuters) - Torrential rain across southern and central China triggered widespread flooding on Tuesday, killing at least 10 people, closing schools and businesses, and disrupting transport and power supplies,