Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Chinese head of state and party leader Xi Jinping to a state visit to Moscow in the spring.

"In the next year, the intensive bilateral exchange will continue, I have no doubts about that. And we will find a way to meet in person," Putin said on Friday in a video link with Xi Jinping published on the Kremlin's homepage. Putin was in Beijing for the Winter Olympics earlier this year, and the two last met at a summit in Uzbekistan in the fall.

Beijing does not condemn Russian war of aggression

The relationship between the two countries is considered good. China, unlike Western countries, has not condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine. According to the Kremlin, Xi Jinping has declared Beijing's willingness to remain a partner with Moscow in the current political situation. Putin, in turn, called the relations between the two states exemplary for the cooperation of great powers in the 21st century. The 70-year-old declared strengthening the common military and armaments policy to be one of the most important areas of responsibility.

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has exposed Moscow's military weaknesses. For months, Russia has also been struggling with increasing material and ammunition shortages. According to US information, Moscow has already ordered arms aid from North Korea and Iran. China could supply significantly more and better equipment, but so far there are no signs that Beijing wants to get involved in the conflict.