改寫自紐約時報：

When China’s Xi Jinping hosts President Vladimir Putin of Russia this week, the two leaders are expected to project unity to demonstrate that there is an alternative to the U.S.-led global system. But they have different agendas.

Mr. Putin is trying to escalate his war in Ukraine before Ukrainian forces can receive a replenishment of arms from the United States, and probably wants to know he can rely on China, which has provided a lifeline to the Kremlin ever since Western sanctions were imposed on Russia.

Mr. Xi considers Russia an important counterweight in China’s rivalry with the United States, but he risks alienating Europe, a key trading partner, at a time when China is relying on exports to revive its sluggish economy.

Host 主人、主持人；（動）主辦，接待

Demonstrate 展示、示範

Agenda 計畫、議程

Escalate (情勢）升高、升級

Alternative 另類的、替代方案

Replenishment 補充；重新添加

Arms 武器

Sanction 制裁

Counterweight 砝碼

Rivalry 競爭

Alienate 疏離、不合群

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