Putin adds Piano Man to his resumé and wins more fans in China

An impromptu turn at a grand piano by Russian President Vladimir Putin as he waited for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping left residents in the host country impressed.

According to Russian media reports, Putin played the melodies of two songs about Moscow and Saint Petersburg – Moscow Windows and The City Over the Free Neva on Sunday at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on the sidelines of the Belt and Road forum.

Video the Putin playing the Soviet-era songs was shared and liked on Chinese social media.

Although a few commentators noted the piano in Diaoyutai was decorative only and apparently not meant for playing given it was out of tune.

“From KGB spy to president, from operating a fighter jet to wrestling, the existence of Putin is both humours and heart-warming,” read one post.