Russian President Vladimir Putin challenged global attempts to isolate him as he hosted China’s President Xi Jinping in Moscow.
President Xi complimented Putin, saying he was confident Putin would be re-elected next year and that Russia would “strongly support” the Kremlin leader.
In a defiant statement, Xi even added: “Thanks to your strong leadership Russia has made significant progress in achieving prosperity of the country in recent years.”
The message of defiance to the west happened just days after an arrest warrant was slapped on Putin by Hague war crimes investigators.
It follows months of sweeping sanctions hitting Putin’s Russia because of his Ukraine war and reports of Moscow’s economy being in freefall.
In Xi’s first foreign trip since being re-elected this month, the two leaders reaffirmed their friendship, shaking hands and toasting each other.
Xi was trying to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, and scheduled a phone call to President Zelensky after his Putin meeting.
But his visit has also led to fears China will step up arms supplies to Russia, enabling Putin’s invasion of Ukraine to press further.
They shook hands before sitting down, calling each other "dear friend" and exchanging compliments.
Putin congratulated Xi on his re-election and voiced hope for building even stronger ties.
He welcomed China's proposals for a political settlement in Ukraine and noted that Russia is open for talks.
Putin said: "We will discuss all those issues, including your initiative that we highly respect.
"Our cooperation in the international arena undoubtedly helps strengthen the basic principles of the global order and multipolarity."
Earlier this month, Xi accused Washington of trying to isolate his country and hold back its development as it too pushes for more regional power.
China has repeatedly threatened to invade its neighbour Taiwan, which is supported by the US and Britain.
Last month, although 141 countries voted to condemn Russia at the United Nations, several members of the G-20 - including India, China and South Africa - chose to abstain.
Many African nations have not openly criticised Russia over its invasion, either.
Xi thanked Putin for the congratulations on his re-election and noted Russia was the site of his first foreign trip after that.
The International Criminal Court in The Hague wants Putin on trial for the abductions of thousands of children from Ukraine.
