Russian leader Vladimir Putin said his ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping are at an 'unprecedented level' as the two met in Beijing on the eve of a massive military parade.
Putin described Xi as a dear friend; Chinese state media stated that relations were exemplary. Russia plans to increase its gas supplies to China, while Beijing will offer visa-free travel to Russians for a year.
Xi is also preparing to welcome North Korea's Kim Jong Un, who is expected to join the celebrations, marking solidarity with both nations amidst ongoing tensions in the Ukraine war.
Xi will host China's largest-ever military parade to commemorate 80 years since Japan's defeat in World War II, with significant global attention.
During the talks at the Great Hall of the People, Putin did not explicitly mention the war in Ukraine but emphasized the significance of their dialogue, remarking on their strategic partnership.
'Our close communication reflects the strategic nature of Russia-China relations, which are at an unprecedentedly high level,' he stated. Xi echoed these sentiments, asserting that their relationship has withstood international changes.
Both leaders have been vocal critics of Western nations, particularly in recent speeches at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Xi's positioning aims to enhance China's role as a stable trading partner globally, contrasting the disruptive consequences of US tariffs.
While a deal with Putin regarding the Ukraine conflict remains elusive, this meeting highlights their consolidated front against perceived Western aggression. With ongoing collaborations in trade and military displays, Russia's dependency on China as a crucial ally continues to grow, particularly in the wake of Western sanctions following its aggression in Ukraine.
Putin described Xi as a dear friend; Chinese state media stated that relations were exemplary. Russia plans to increase its gas supplies to China, while Beijing will offer visa-free travel to Russians for a year.
Xi is also preparing to welcome North Korea's Kim Jong Un, who is expected to join the celebrations, marking solidarity with both nations amidst ongoing tensions in the Ukraine war.
Xi will host China's largest-ever military parade to commemorate 80 years since Japan's defeat in World War II, with significant global attention.
During the talks at the Great Hall of the People, Putin did not explicitly mention the war in Ukraine but emphasized the significance of their dialogue, remarking on their strategic partnership.
'Our close communication reflects the strategic nature of Russia-China relations, which are at an unprecedentedly high level,' he stated. Xi echoed these sentiments, asserting that their relationship has withstood international changes.
Both leaders have been vocal critics of Western nations, particularly in recent speeches at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Xi's positioning aims to enhance China's role as a stable trading partner globally, contrasting the disruptive consequences of US tariffs.
While a deal with Putin regarding the Ukraine conflict remains elusive, this meeting highlights their consolidated front against perceived Western aggression. With ongoing collaborations in trade and military displays, Russia's dependency on China as a crucial ally continues to grow, particularly in the wake of Western sanctions following its aggression in Ukraine.
