BEIJING (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday in a meeting meant to reaffirm ties and that takes place only days after a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to China.

Xi welcomed Putin with a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. The two delegations later held bilateral talks, to be followed by a ceremony for signing cooperation agreements.

Putin's visit comes just days after Trump's own trip to Beijing – in a sequence that is meant to cement Beijing's image as an influential superpower, experts say.

"The message is clearly one that China maintains friendship and strategic partnership with whichever power it likes, and the USA is just one of them," said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said earlier that there was "no connection" between Trump and Putin's visits, noting the trip by the Russian leader was agreed several days after Putin and Xi spoke via videoconference on Feb. 4.

The Russian and Chinese leaders are set to discuss energy and security as well as their overall ties. The two sides agreed to extend a friendship treaty first signed in 2001, Chinese state media reported.

China became Russia's top trading partner following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Beijing has said it is neutral in the conflict while maintaining trade ties with the Kremlin despite economic and financial sanctions by the U.S. and Europe.

China is the top customer for Russian oil and gas supplies, and Moscow expects the war in Iran to increase the demand. China also has ignored demands from the West to stop providing high-tech components for Russia's weapons industries.

Ushakov said Russia's oil exports to China grew by 35% in the first quarter of 2026 and that Russia is one of the biggest exporters of natural gas to China.

During "the crisis in the Middle East," Russia remains a reliable energy supplier and China is a "responsible consumer," Ushakov said.

Putin noted earlier this month that Moscow and Beijing have reached "a very substantial step forward in our cooperation in the oil and gas sector."

"Practically all the key issues have been agreed upon," he said. "If we succeed in finalizing these details and bringing them to a conclusion during this visit, I will be extremely pleased."

Kem Sokha, Cambodia's former opposition leader who remains under house arrest, was reunited with his critically ill mother on the morning of 20 May after authorities granted permission for the visit. According to his lawyer, Pheng Heng, Kem Sokha was escorted by Ministry of Interior officers to visit his mother, Sao Nget, at his sibling's home in a gated community in Phnom Penh. The request for the visit was submitted on 19 May amid concerns over her worsening condition. A video posted on Pheng Heng's Facebook page on 20 May showed the 72-year-old politician embracing his mother in tears, while she appeared to hold him close and offer a blessing. Sao Nget is believed to be around 100 years old. Kem Sokha, former president of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was sentenced by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in 2023 to 27 years in prison on treason charges, although the court ordered him to serve the sentence under home detention. He was arrested in 2017 over allegations of conspiring with a "foreign power" to overthrow the Cambodian government. The court also imposed a lifetime ban on his involvement in politics.

A speedboat used to transport tourists to Koh Thalu caught fire in Bang Saphan Noi district on 20 May, leaving the vessel heavily damaged and its driver injured. According to local sources, the two-engine speedboat belonged to a tour company operating trips from the mainland to Koh Thalu. The boat, which had been in service for around seven to eight years, had reportedly experienced engine problems and had recently undergone repairs. The incident occurred while the boat was parked near the shoreline due to shallow water conditions preventing it from docking at the pier as usual. Sources said the driver was preparing the vessel to pick up tourists when a loud explosion-like sound was heard as the engine was started, before flames rapidly engulfed the boat. The driver reportedly suffered burns to his arms and body while attempting to use onboard fire extinguishers to control the blaze. However, the fire spread too quickly and damaged most of the vessel. He later jumped into the sea to escape and was taken to hospital for treatment. Initial damage was estimated at around 3-4 million baht. No tourists were injured, as passengers were transferred to another boat operated by the same company to continue their trip to Koh Thalu.

The international food exhibition returns bigger than ever! THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 is Thailand's pride and a key destination for global trading partners and business owners seeking new products and innovations to meet evolving consumer lifestyles worldwide. Asia's leading food trade show provides a platform connecting producers, entrepreneurs, and startups with trading partners, distributors, retailers, and buyers from around the globe, fostering collaboration and success under the 'Beyond Food Experience' concept. This year's highlights—Bigger, Better, Bolder—are essential for food business professionals. BIGGER: Expanding business opportunities. Organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (Ministry of Commerce) in partnership with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Cologne Messe (Germany), the 2026 edition expands into IMPACT FORUM HALL 4 for showcasing innovation, future products, and startups. The exhibition spans buildings 1-12 with 140,000 square meters of space across nine product zones: Drinks, Fine Food, Food Technology, Frozen Food, Fruits & Vegetables, Meat, Rice, Seafood, and Sweets & Confectionery. Each zone offers diverse selections including conventional food, halal, organic, health-focused, plant-based protein, specialty, sustainable, and future foods. BETTER: Connecting with high-potential partners. THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 facilitates quality procurement experiences and business matching between entrepreneurs, buyers, and trading partners with nearly 3,600 companies from over 56 countries spanning East Asia, ASEAN, Europe, Americas, Latin America, Middle East, and Australia. These high-potential exhibitors bring innovative products and solutions, attracting thousands of trade visitors annually seeking products, partnerships, collaborations, and networking opportunities to create new future successes. BOLDER: Knowledge and business idea generation. The exhibition serves as a knowledge hub offering new perspectives on the food business, updated trend information, and actionable insights through exhibitions, seminars, and activities. Key programs include the THAIFEX – Anuga Trend Zone presenting latest market trends via Innova Market Insights analysis from various countries to help businesses align with evolving trends; the THAIFEX – Anuga tasteInnovation Show featuring award-winning creative products in trending food and beverage categories such as plant-based proteins, superfoods, and sustainable products; and Future Food Experience+ seminars providing comprehensive business insights.

Should You Unplug Electrical Appliances During Thunder and Lightning? Panasonic Explains

Compiled by Thairath Online News Team May 20, 2025

Reporting from international media: As the rainy season arrives, people must be vigilant about lightning hazards. If lightning strikes near your home, electrical equipment inside could be damaged. The question is: should people unplug their appliances to prevent damage?

Prepare Protection Before Storms Hit

Abnormal electrical voltage or current that occurs momentarily from lightning is called "lightning surge." This electrical current can enter your home through power lines, telephone lines, or television antennas, potentially damaging electrical appliances and computers.

Panasonic states that the key preventive method is to prepare protective measures before storms occur, such as using surge-protected power strips. While these cannot prevent all damage, they significantly reduce the risk. These power strips absorb excess voltage from lightning, minimizing the chance of appliance damage.

However, Panasonic warns that once a surge-protected power strip has absorbed excess voltage, its protection system may degrade or stop working. If the status indicator light goes out, replace it immediately. Additionally, they recommend obtaining insurance that covers lightning damage, especially for expensive appliances, to prepare for unexpected incidents.

Do Not Touch Plugs or Appliances When Thunder Starts

Panasonic also warns that when thunder is heard nearby, you should not touch electrical appliances or plugs due to the risk of electrical shock. Communication devices connected with multiple cable types—such as telephones, fax machines, or internet-connected appliances—are at particularly high risk of damage. People should avoid touching power plugs, television antennas, telephone lines, wireless phone chargers, and appliance plugs during thunderstorms.

Unplug Appliances If Power Goes Out

If the power goes out, Panasonic recommends unplugging appliances from outlets. When electricity returns, many appliances may start simultaneously, causing fuses to blow or breakers to trip. High-power devices like air conditioners or microwaves should be handled first.

While many believe you "should immediately unplug appliances when thunder starts," the correct advice is: do not touch plugs during thunderstorms, and instead unplug appliances after the power goes out. With severe thunderstorms becoming increasingly frequent, preparing protective measures in advance and learning proper procedures during storms are essential to effectively reduce lightning damage.

On May 20, 2569, Sai Yai traffic police, led by senior officers including Lt. Col. Thawach Wongsang and Col. Supol Khumchoo, arrested three suspects identified as Chai (41 years old), Phon (34 years old), and Surachai (44 years old) along with an illegal minibus at the Kaset Intersection on Phahon Yothin Road in Don Mueang, Bangkok.

The operation was initiated after the Bangkok Metropolitan Police received complaints from online media about an unlicensed minibus continuing to operate despite a ban. At approximately 14:30 hours, officers observed the minibus making an illegal U-turn and improper lane change. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers discovered the bus lacked proper authorization from the Land Transport Department and had unpaid annual taxes since June 30, 2568.

The suspects confessed that the minibus was operating without proper registration or transportation licenses. Officers charged them with operating an unauthorized regular transport service and tax evasion. When brought to Sai Yai Police Station, officers noticed two suspects displayed signs of drug intoxication. Upon questioning, they admitted to using drugs before operating the minibus. The suspects were referred to the investigation unit for further legal proceedings.