Putin Says Russia-China Relations at "Unprecedented Level" in Summit with Xi Jinping

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo by AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is currently visiting China, held a summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and stated on September 2 (local time) that relations with China have reached an "unprecedented level."

According to AFP and other sources, President Putin said at the summit held in Beijing that day, "Our communication reflects the strategic nature of Russia-China relations, which have now reached an unprecedented level." He also emphasized the strong cooperation between the two countries, saying, "We were together then, and we are together now."

President Putin has been in China since August 31 for a two-day visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Tianjin. After completing the SCO summit, President Putin arrived in Beijing and is scheduled to attend the military parade on September 3 at Tiananmen Square, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

This China-Russia summit comes four months after President Xi attended the 80th Victory Day anniversary ceremony in Moscow, Russia, in May.