What really holds China and Russia together

What really holds China and Russia together8 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAnkur ShahEditor, BBC Global China UnitBBCAs they strolled through Tiananmen Square in Beijing last September, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to muse over the possibility that organ transplants could dramatically extend human life."Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become, and even achieve immortality", Putin's interpreter was heard saying."Some predict that in this century, humans may live up to 150 years old," Xi's interpreter was heard responding.Kremlin Press Office/Anadolu via Getty Images)The hot-mic moment gave a tantalising glimpse into the relationship It was a fitting conversation for two strongmen, who have described each other as best friends, and who, after a combined 39 years in power, show no signs of stepping down.This was a rare insight into what is quite a misunderstood partnership. This scrap of unscripted conversation is one of the few glimpses into a highly secretive relationship.Putin will be returning to Beijing this week, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation between Russia and China.When US President Donald Trump visited Xi last week he was met with an extravaganza of banquets with gold tableware and a visit to an ancient temple. Putin's visit feels far more low-key, with little information released in advance.EPA-EFE/REX/ShutterstockPutin will be returning to Beijing this weekThe Kremlin's spokesperson said they hoped to hear first-hand information about the Trump-Xi meeting.Xi reportedly name-dropped his friend Putin to Trump last week, when the two leaders walked through Zhongnanhai, which is normally off-limits to foreign visitors, joking about how Putin had visited Beijing's political sanctuary before.While some in Washington may have been hoping tha...