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 said relations were exemplary. Russia is to increase supplies of gas to China, while Beijing will offer visa-free travel to Russians during a year-long trial.
Xi is also preparing to welcome North Korea's Kim Jong Un in what appears to be a show of solidarity with both aggressors in the Ukraine war.
Xi will host China's largest-ever military parade on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the formal surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War Two.
In May, Xi visited Moscow for Russia's celebrations to mark the defeat of the Nazis.
Russia and North Korea rely on China to bolster their economies, and these meetings will allow the Chinese leader to signal the extent of his power and influence – at a time when Donald Trump is trying to do a deal with Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
All three will stand shoulder to shoulder on Wednesday as tens of thousands of troops march through the Chinese capital.
During the meetings in the Great Hall of the People, Putin made no explicit reference to his war in Ukraine, stating only that he discussed issues of common concern with his Chinese counterpart. 'Dear friend, both I and the entire Russian delegation are pleased to meet once again with our Chinese friends and colleagues,' Putin told Xi.
Xi reiterated that 'China-Russia relations have withstood the test of international changes,' indicating a willingness to work together to promote a more balanced global governance system.
As the meetings unfold, Xi aims to reinforce China's position on the international stage as a leading power and stable trading partner, especially in the context of shifting global economic relationships.
Russia, facing sanctions due to the Ukraine conflict, looks to boost gas exports to replace lost revenues from the Western market.
The upcoming military parade is expected to showcase the close relationship among China, Russia, and North Korea, with leaders signaling their collective stance against Western influence.
