Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow, meeting 'head to head' with Vladimir Putin

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has landed in Moscow for a three-day visit where he will meet with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin. It is the first time China's leader has visited its close neighbor and ally since Russia launched its unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated his willingness to work together with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "protect international order," in a statement issued Monday as he arrived in Moscow.

"China and Russia are both major powers in the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, playing an important role in international affairs. In the face of a turbulent and changing world, China is ready to continue working with Russia to resolutely protect the international order," the statement said.

He added, "I look forward to exchanging in-depth views with President Putin on bilateral relations and key international and regional issues of common interest during the visit, so as to draw up a blueprint for China-Russia strategic coordination and practical cooperation in an era new."

Earlier on Monday, in a signed article published in Russian state media, Xi described his trip to Moscow as "a trip of friendship, cooperation and peace", vowing to open "a new chapter" in bilateral relations. .

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that Putin will discuss the topic of peace in Ukraine with Xi during the Chinese leader's visit to Moscow.