Xi welcomes Putin to China, criticizes Western-led world order

Chinese President Xi Jinping gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a red-carpet welcome during a visit to China. The two leaders issued a joint statement on Ukraine and called for a 'just and reasonable' global governance system, criticizing what they described as a failed 'colonial' world order.

Putin praised Xi as a 'dear friend' and quoted a Chinese saying in a poetic speech. While Xi called for an end to conflict in the Middle East, he did not make the same demand regarding Ukraine. The meeting underscored the deepening partnership between China and Russia, with both leaders taking veiled jabs at the United States.