Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping sign deal to deepen Russia-Chinese partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend an official welcome ceremony in Beijing (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have signed a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and China.

China’s president welcomed his Russian counterpart on Thursday as Mr Putin began a two-day state visit while Moscow presses forward with a new offensive in Ukraine.