Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, is offered a seat by Chinese President Hu Jintao during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Tuesday, June 5, 2012. The leaders of Russia and China met Tuesday to foster an evolving partnership that has counterbalanced U.S. influence and shielded Syria from international moves to halt its crackdown on a 15-month uprising. (AP Photo/Mark Ralston, Pool)