In brief
In a significant meeting in Beijing, Vladimir Putin hailed the 'unprecedented' relations between Russia and China, calling Xi Jinping a dear friend. The discussions revealed that Russia is set to boost gas supplies to China, while Xi announced a year-long trial for visa-free travel for Russians. These talks coincided with Xi's preparations for hosting North Korea's Kim Jong Un, showcasing solid alliances amid global tensions. This historic gathering precedes China's largest military parade, marking a pivotal moment in the international sphere as these world leaders gather amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
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.
At the talks in the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday, Putin made no explicit reference to his war in Ukraine, saying only that he had 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, according to a video published on the Kremlin's official Telegram messaging app.
Our close communication reflects the strategic nature of Russia-China relations, which are at an unprecedentedly high level, he added.
We were always together then, and we remain together now.
Xi told Putin that China-Russia relations have withstood the test of international changes - adding that Beijing was willing to work with Moscow to promote the construction of a more just and reasonable global governance system.
This week's meetings come at a time when Xi seeks to project Beijing's power on the international stage - not just as the world's second-largest economy, but also as a diplomatic heavyweight.
Now, while a deal with the Russian leader to end the war in Ukraine continues to elude Trump, Xi's welcome of Putin to Beijing demonstrates their close ties.
The pair have previously touted their countries' relationship as a friendship with no limits.
Russia hopes gas exports to China and other countries will replace revenue lost after Western sanctions were imposed over its Ukraine war.
Chinese foreign ministry announced that it would extend month-long visa-free travel to Russian passport holders on a trial basis for a year, starting on September 15.
