Neither side announced the visit and footage showed Wang leaving the commercial airport rather than the defence facility nearby where most dignitaries arrive

The Biden administration has been pressuring China to refrain from supporting Russia including by helping it counter Western sanctions and providing military assistance

Asian brands have largely opted to either cautiously remain in Russia or keep quiet about their plans

The call, scheduled for Friday, comes as Beijing is trying to present itself as eager to help prevent the Ukraine crisis from worsening further