Xi Jinping says that China is ready to "stand guard over world order" as he met with Vladimir Putin.
Xi Jinping has met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow
The Chinese leader spent over four hours in talks with his "dear friend" Putin in Moscow as they discussed Beijing's 12-point peace plan to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
Putin said: "We are always open to negotiations."
Xi was serenaded by a military band as he arrived in the Russian capital on Monday (20.03.23) for his first visit since Putin invaded Ukraine and hailed his "close ties" with Russia.
The summit has been presented as a "journey of friendship, cooperation and peace" and marks a deepening of ties between China and Russia - which has become increasingly isolated due to the war.
Xi told his counterpart: "Under your strong leadership, Russia has made great strides in its preposterous development. I am confident that the Russian people will continue to give you their firm support."
China released a plan to end the war in Ukraine last month and it included "ceasing hostilities" and resuming peace talks, although the US has warned that it could be a "stalling tactic".
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: "The world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russia, supported by China or any other country, to freeze the war on its own terms.
"Calling for a ceasefire that does not include the removal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory would effectively be supporting the ratification of Russian conquest."