Putin, accompanied by a delegation that included top defense and security officials, received a grand welcome at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, complete with full military honors. This ceremony marked the beginning of Putin's two-day state visit to China.

The two leaders issued a comprehensive joint statement outlining their countries’ alignment on various critical issues, including energy, trade, security, and geopolitics. Specific references were made to Ukraine, Taiwan, and the conflicts in the Middle East, emphasizing their united stance on these global matters.

This visit marks Putin's first overseas trip since beginning a new term as Russia's president last week, symbolizing the strengthening ties between the two nations amid increasing tensions with the West. The statement declared that Russian-Chinese relations have endured "the test of rapid changes in the world, demonstrating strength and stability," and described the current period as the best in their history. Xi and Putin referred to each other as "priority partners."

In discussions with Xi, Putin praised the "practical cooperation" between the two countries, noting last year’s record bilateral trade. He emphasized the need to further enhance cooperation in energy, industry, and agriculture, as reported by Russian state media outlet Tass.

This meeting is the fourth face-to-face encounter between Putin and Xi since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. Their previous declaration of a "no limits" partnership on the sidelines of the Winter Olympics in Beijing underscores the deepening ties between Russia and China.