Xi Jinping described China's ties with Russia as conducive to peace

Xi Jinping hailed China's ties with Russia as "conducive to peace" and promised to strengthen cooperation, AFP reported.
"Today's relations between China and Russia are hard-won, and both sides must safeguard and develop them," Xi said at a welcoming ceremony for Vladimir Putin in Beijing.
In turn, Putin noted that relations between the two countries are a "stabilizing factor on the international scene."
"Relations between Russia and China are not opportunistic and are not directed against anyone," the Russian leader said.
This is the Russian president's first trip abroad since his re-election in March. China is an economic lifeline for Russia after the West imposed unprecedented sanctions on it over its military offensive in Ukraine.
Putin, who is seeking greater support from China for his military efforts in Ukraine and for his isolated economy, was welcomed by Xi in a spectacular ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing./BGNES