US sanctions test China's 'no limits' friendship with Russia

China's trade with Russia has hit record highs in recent years, drawing accusations that it is helping buoy its longtime ally's economy, with President Vladimir Putin due to visit Beijing in May.

A vendor stands next to traditional Russian wooden nesting dolls, Matryoshka dolls, depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping (C) at a gift shop in Moscow on March 11, 2024. (Credit: AFP)