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Extra! Carnaval Do Brasil

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The surreal flight of the Portela, O Globo, Feb. 17, 2015

Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro are famous for being spectacular, but this year's parades are special because they coincide with the city's 450th anniversary. In yesterday's parades, one of Rio's most famous samba schools, GRES Portela, stunned the public with its traditional eagle, which was standing like the statue of Christ the Redeemer until it bowed to the public. After this, Portela is expected to be a serious contender for the best performance award, a nod that has eluded the school for the last three decades.

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ABOUT THE SOURCE: O Globo is a national newspaper based in Rio de Janeiro. It was founded in 1925 and is one of the flagshipsof the media conglomerate Organizações Globo, led by businessman Roberto Marinho.

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FOCUS: Russia-Ukraine War

With His Trip To Moscow, Xi Has Sent A Clear Message To The World

China has adopted a stance of pro-Putin neutrality since the start of Russia's invasion. But this is not an alliance of equals. China has the upper-hand and sees the opportunity to present itself as an alternative world leader.

Photo of ​Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — While Russia is mired in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has become the target of an international arrest warrant, China appeared as a lifeline.

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Xi Jinping’s presence in Moscow from Monday to Wednesday was a bit like the "quiet force" visiting a friend in trouble. They offer him "face," as the Chinese expression for showing respect goes, referring to him as "dear friend"...

But reality sets in very quickly: between the couple, Beijing has the upper hand — and Moscow has no choice.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, China has observed what one diplomat astutely calls a "pro-Putin neutrality", a subtle balance that suits Beijing more than Moscow. Putin could have hoped for more active support, especially in the delivery of arms, technological products, or ways to circumvent Western sanctions. But China is helping Russia sparingly, while making sure to not incur sanctions in turn.

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