Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised relations with China as reaching an “unprecedented level” during a high-profile visit to Beijing, underscoring deepening strategic ties between the two powers.

The Russian leader met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People on May 20, where he was greeted with a ceremonial welcome, including a military honor guard and crowds waving Russian and Chinese flags, The Caspian Post reports via ITV.com.

During talks, Putin described bilateral relations as having reached a “truly unprecedented level” and extended an invitation for Xi to visit Russia next year. The two leaders are expected to oversee the signing of cooperation agreements and discuss energy, security, and broader strategic coordination.

The visit comes amid continued expansion of economic and political ties between Russia and China, with Beijing now serving as Moscow’s largest trading partner following Western sanctions imposed after the 2022 Ukraine invasion.

The talks were held in a “traditionally friendly and trust-based atmosphere,” with further discussions expected as both sides look to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

The timing of the visit, which followed recent diplomatic activity in Beijing, highlights China’s growing role as a central global diplomatic hub, even as officials insist there was no coordination between separate foreign visits.