China vows to maintain ‘fair’ stance on Ukraine war after Putin and Xi meeting

Putin said he expect President Xi to make a state visit next year in a public show of solidarity from Beijing

China has vowed to maintain what it described as its “objective and fair” stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine following a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.

President Xi said Beijing and Moscow should closely coordinate and cooperate in international affairs and emphasised Russia’s willingness to engage in negotiations over Ukraine, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said in its report on the video call between the pair.

Mr Putin said on Friday he was expecting President Xi to make a state visit next year in a public show of solidarity from Beijing and said he aimed to boost military cooperation with China.