Xi Jinping currently has several reasons to celebrate: The Chinese Spring Festival marks the beginning of the new year; these are the most important holidays in the People’s Republic. In addition, the Winter Olympics are held in Beijing, making it the first city ever to host both the Winter and Summer Games. And politically, China’s head of state also has reason to rejoice: His good friend Vladimir Putin has come to visit, especially for the Olympic opening ceremony. Russia’s president wants to let the world know: Relations between China and Russia have „taken on a truly unprecedented character.“