‘Old friend’ Putin and China’s Xi strengthen strategic ties at summit

China put on a lavish welcoming ceremony for Vladimir Putin outside the Great Hall of the People [Russian Presidential Press Office via AFP]

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, have signed a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between their two nations at a summit that framed their relationship as a stabilising force in a chaotic world.

Speaking at a joint press conference on Thursday, Xi said: “China is willing to … jointly achieve the development and rejuvenation of our respective countries, and work together to uphold fairness and justice in the world.”