Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Friday for the start of the Winter Olympic Games and talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
 
The Russian president began his tour by praising tight ties between the two countries, as China increasingly demonstrates support for Moscow in the dispute with NATO and the West in Ukraine.

Bilateral ties 'promote reciprocal growth' 

Putin's opening remarks were broadcast on Russian television, in which he stated the countries' bilateral ties were a "worthy" model.

He stated that relations are "growing progressively with a spirit of friendliness and strategic partnership."

"They have taken on a life of their own. It's an example of respectful relationships that promote reciprocal growth."

Putin emphasized the need for close economic connections, pointing to a recent arrangement with China to supply 10 billion cubic meters of gas per year from eastern Russia.

“For our meeting today, our oilmen have prepared very good new solutions for the supply of hydrocarbons to the People’s Republic of China, and another step forward has been taken in the gas industry,” Putin said.
 
Russia has long been a major provider of oil, gas, and coal, as well as food and other raw resources, to China's huge economy, which is now the world's second-largest and on track to become the largest.

The two leaders met in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Friday afternoon, according to China's state-run news agency, but no specifics were provided. 

Chinese-Russian foreign policy coordination 

The talks between Putin and Xi were expected to focus on coordinating their countries' foreign policies.

The Russian president slammed "attempts by some countries to politicize sports to further their aspirations," an apparent allusion to a US-led diplomatic boycott that has no bearing on athletes' participation in the Games.

Putin's foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said that Moscow and Beijing intend to issue a joint statement reflecting their shared views on global security, as officials from the two nations prepare to sign a slew of trade, energy, and other deals.

On most international issues, Moscow and Beijing have similar or identical positions, according to Ushakov. He stated that China backs Russia's demands for security guarantees, which have fueled the Ukraine impasse.
 
In a phone discussion last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Moscow's security concerns must be taken seriously and handled, signaling a significant strategic shift for Beijing.