Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin as the Russian leader began a two-day state visit, underscoring the close relationship between the autocratic leaders.
The public sign of unity comes as Moscow presses ahead with a new offensive in Ukraine.
After Putin arrived at dawn on Thursday, he was greeted by Xi with full military honors at the Great Hall of the People, the vast seat of the ceremonial legislature next to Tiananmen Square in the heart of the capital Beijing.
At their next meeting, Xi congratulated Putin on his election to a fifth term and celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the former Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China after it came to power during a civil war in 1949.
Xi said the two countries were promoting their relationship as “good neighbors, good friends, good partners,” according to state broadcaster CCTV. The sentiment reflected their commitment to the “no borders” relationship they signed in 2022, just before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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