This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service.

I'm Janet Gillian at 13 hours GMT on Thursday the 16th of May.

These are our main stories. President Putin is in China to meet President Xi. It's all smiles,

handshakes and warm words. The president of Slovakia has called for calm after an assassination

attempt on the Prime Minister. Let's step out of the vicious circle and mutual place.

What happened yesterday was individual ugly but the

atmosphere of hatred was our collective fault.

Also in this podcast, could there be a red card for VAR, the controversial video assistant

referee?

China and Russia have put on a display of unity and mutual support during a meeting of their two leaders in Beijing at the start of a two day visit by Vladimir Putin.

She Xin Ping and Mr Putin signed a statement that promised to deepen their relationship.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Beijing's support has become increasingly important for Moscow.

The US had urged China to stop shoring up the

Russian economy by buying its oil and gas, but so far there's little sign that

Mr. She is heeding these warnings, as well as holding talks, the two leaders will take part in an event to celebrate 75 years

since the Soviet Union recognised the People's Republic of China.

Our China correspondent Laura Bicker reports from Beijing.

Mr. Putin walked the red carpet to a red army song welcome.

Thousands of miles away his troops are opening up a new front in Ukraine.

Their success on that battlefield may depend on how persuasive Mr Putin proves to be in Beijing.

China will always be a good neighbor, good friend of mutual trust with Russia.

Mr. Shee's welcome was warm, but he didn't describe the partnership in lofty terms.

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