Vladimir Putin has declared that Russia and China’s cooperation is a “stabilising” force for the world, as he began a two-day state visit in Beijing. 

Putin was greeted by Xi Jinping, the Chinese President, with full military honours at the Great Hall of the People, the massive seat of the ceremonial legislature sitting aside Tiananmen Square in the heart of the capital.

The pair’s public sign of unity underscores the close relationship between the autocratic leaders and comes as Moscow presses forward with a new offensive in Ukraine.

“Relations between Russia and China are not opportunistic and not directed against anyone,” Putin told Xi, according to a video published by Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency: “Our cooperation in international matters is one of the stabilising factors in the international arena.”

Xi said the two countries were furthering their relationship as “good neighbours, good friends, good partners,” according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. The sentiment echoed their commitment to the “no limits” relationship they signed in 2022, just before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

Follow the latest updates below