Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have commenced bilateral talks in Beijing, just ahead of a major military parade in the Chinese capital.
Putin praised the relations between the two countries, describing them as being at an “unprecedented level.”
The Russian leader is scheduled to participate in the military parade on Wednesday, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, according to AP reports.
The parade will host foreign leaders from various countries, many of whom are seeking to strengthen or maintain diplomatic and economic ties with Beijing.
Earlier this year, in May, Xi visited Moscow to participate in Russia’s commemorations of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
These meetings occur at a time when Xi is aiming to project Beijing’s power on the international stage, highlighting China not only as the world’s second-largest economy, but also as a significant diplomatic force.
