What Xi Jinping discusses with Putin: Key takeaways from Moscow meeting

What Putin and Xi Jinping have said to each other - read in the RBC-Ukraine report below.

The talks between Putin and Xi Jinping lasted a total of 3.5 hours. The media obtained information from the public portion of their meeting, during which both sides made statements.

What Putin says

The Russian President, quoted by pro-Kremlin media, thanked Xi Jinping for coming to Moscow to share with Russia the celebration of the so-called Victory Day. He referred to the Chinese leader as a dear friend.

Putin said that the Chinese military contingent participating in the Moscow parade would reportedly be the largest among all foreign troops.

"As far as I know, it's the largest foreign military contingent by numbers," the Russian President said.

According to Putin, the Russian and Chinese governments are "working on implementing a range of bilateral agreements." The Kremlin Head claimed that Beijing and Moscow are developing ties "for the benefit of the peoples of both countries" and "not against anyone."

In his usual manner, Putin repeated phrases about the "difficult geopolitical situation" and "global uncertainty." The Kremlin chief, who remains largely isolated on the international stage, expressed hope for continued cooperation from China.

"I would like to express confidence that our multifaceted cooperation will continue to develop dynamically for the benefit of the peoples of our countries," Putin said.

How Xi Jinping responds

The Chinese leader, in turn, called Putin an "old friend" and said he was "glad" to visit Moscow. Xi Jinping stated that his country would cooperate with Russia to "fulfill the special responsibilities of global powers."

Moreover, the Chinese President added that Beijing is ready to work with Moscow to promote what he called "equal, orderly, multipolar, and inclusive economic globalization."

Xi Jinping also said that both sides would "strongly defend" the rights and interests of "the vast majority of developing countries."

Chinese leader's visit to Moscow

Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow last night at the invitation of the Kremlin to celebrate the so-called Victory Day at the parade on Red Square.

Xi Jinping will remain in the Russian capital until May 10. According to Bloomberg, he agreed with Putin to once again discuss the construction of the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline.

Putin's years-long attempts to persuade China to buy an additional 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia had ended unsuccessfully, but now Beijing is reportedly willing to make concessions on pricing, Bloomberg writes.

Until now, Chinese authorities had insisted on purchasing gas from the not-yet-completed Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline at Russia's domestic price. However, during this current visit, they may begin negotiations on a higher price.

Bloomberg adds that Beijing is now willing to discuss pricing somewhere between Russia's domestic rate and the price China pays for gas supplied via the current Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline.

Furthermore, as announced by the Kremlin, the Russian dictator and the Chinese leader will also discuss, among other things, the war in Ukraine.