Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin as an 'old friend' as the two began a series of meetings Tuesday at a time when their countries face both overlapping and differing challenges from the United States.

Relations between China and Russia have deepened in recent years, particularly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

Putin addressed Xi as 'dear friend' and said that Moscow's ties with Beijing are 'at an unprecedentedly high level.' Following their formal talks, they planned to have another meeting over tea with some of their top aides.