Vladimir Putin arrives at Beijing airport

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing to begin a two-day state visit likely to focus on China's energy needs and bilateral investments.

Mr. Putin, at the head of a large delegation of business leaders and top officials, landed at Beijing International Airport Tuesday and was expected to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao later in the day.

In addition to energy and other industrial issues, the two leaders are expected to discuss disputes over the Iranian and North Korean nuclear programs.

As permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, both Russia and China are playing a key role in the current diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

The two countries also participate in six-nation disarmament talks on North Korea's nuclear program, along with the United States, the two Koreas and Japan.