Xi Tells Putin That Russia, China Should Be 'Friends Of Steel'

Both Leaders Cast Themselves As Defenders Of New World Order Not Dominated By US

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MOSCOW - Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian leader Vladimir Putin on May 8 that their two countries should be "friends of steel", as they pledged to boost cooperation to a new level at a time of heightened confrontation with the West.

At talks in the Kremlin, the two leaders cast themselves as defenders of a new world order no longer dominated by the US.

Mr Xi is the most powerful of more than two dozen foreign leaders who are visiting Moscow this week to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II — a celebration of huge significance for Mr Putin.

Mr Xi's participation is an important boost to Mr Putin at a time of acute geopolitical tensions from the Middle East to South Asia, and as Russia comes under pressure from the US in faltering talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

China and Russia should safeguard international fairness and justice, and "be true friends of steel that have been through a hundred trials by fire", Mr Xi told Mr Putin.

The two countries should solidify the foundations of their cooperation and "eliminate external interference", said Mr Xi, whose country is engaged in a tariff war launched by US President Donald Trump.