Russian leader Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday he was keen to ramp up military cooperation and hailed the two countries’ efforts to counter Western influence. Battered by unprecedented Western sanctions over Moscow’s assault against Ukraine, Putin wants to strengthen political, economic and military ties with China. The Russian leader said he was expecting Xi in Moscow on a state visit next spring. Xi, who also called Putin “my friend”, said he was satisfied by the two countries’ growing ties. Referring to a “turbulent international situation,” CCTV, China’s state broadcaster, said after the talks that China and Russia should strengthen “strategic” cooperation.

Source: The Guardian December 30, 2022 13:32 UTC