When Kentaro Yokobori was born almost seven years ago, he was the first newborn in the Sogio district of Kawakami village in 25 years. His birth was like a miracle for many villagers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited his international "best friend", China's leader Xi Jinping, to Moscow for a three-day state visit beginning March 20. There's sure to be plenty of glad-handing, champagne toasts, a major press conference and -- behind closed doors -- serious discussion.