Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping also appeared to pledge that China would remain neutral in the conflict, saying Beijing "will neither watch the fire from the other side, nor add fuel to the fire, let alone take advantage of the crisis to profit", according to China Central Television.

In the last few months, President Xi Jinping has met Russia's Vladimir Putin; hosted several world leaders, including Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who arrived this week; sent a top envoy to court Europe; and presented a 12-point solution to the Ukraine war, BBC reported.

The remarks came as Kim received a message from Xi as the latter thanked the North Korean leader for congratulating him on his re-election as president of China, according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). In the message, Xi "attaches great importance to the relations between the two parties and two countries, expressing his willingness to accelerate the development of the socialist cause of the two countries.

China and Russia's ties have benefited both countries economically, and bilateral trade surged in the last year. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for expanding cooperation in sectors like energy and supply chains after a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. With his country facing withering Western sanctions.

Much is already underway, with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation already discussing mutual cooperation and development with the Eurasian Economic Union. Add in a BRICS+ and the Belt and Road Initiative and the world starts to look rather different than it did pre-Covid, Ellis said. At that time, President Putin stated.

"Change is coming that hasn't happened in 100 years. And we are driving this change together," Xi told Putin via his interpreter - words sure to set alarm bells ringing in the West. "Please, take care, dear friend," he added, gripping Putin's hand warmly before being waved off by the Russian President who bid Xi a "safe journey".

The visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow is seen as a boost for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is subject to an International Criminal Court warrant over accusations of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. The two leaders discussed the Ukraine conflict, and Putin praised Beijing's 12-point position paper on the conflict.

Putin made the remarks on Monday in response to China's "plan settle ongoing Ukraine crisis". The plan aimed to "end the Russia-Ukraine war" was released by China in February. However, the US has warned it could be a "stalling tactic", the BBC reported.

The trip will last until Wednesday. Xi will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss "aspects of further development of comprehensive partnership," according to a statement from the Kremlin. There will also be a discussion of the international agenda and cooperation between the two nations in world affairs.

Upon nomination by Premier Li Qiang, vice premiers, state councillors, ministers, governor of the central bank, auditor-general, and secretary-general of the State Council were endorsed by lawmakers at the fifth plenary meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), Xinhua News Agency reported. Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to appoint these officials.