China’s foreign ministry said the leaders will “rally the Global South, shape global governance in the right direction, unequivocally oppose acts of unilateralism and bullying, and jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world”, state broadcaster CCTV said.
GUEST OF HONOUR
Putin will address the “grandest” ever annual Victory Day parade in Moscow on Friday for the 80th anniversary of defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II to rally support for his troops fighting in Ukraine.
Xi is to be the guest of honour at the May 9 parade among 29 other foreign leaders, three of whom come from non-recognised or partially recognised states.
Putin has ordered a three-day ceasefire on the Ukraine frontlines to coincide with the celebrations.
Kyiv has dismissed the gesture as an attempt by Moscow to secure the safety of the parade and called for a month-long ceasefire instead.
Ukraine – which hit Moscow with drones just days before the parade – has said it cannot take responsibility for what happens in Russia.
Some countries had approached Kyiv to ask for safety for their leaders attending the parade, it added.
China has sent 102 soldiers – the largest foreign military contingent among the 13 participating nations – for the event.
Ukraine warned on Tuesday against any foreign troops participating in the parade, calling it “unacceptable” and helping Moscow “whitewash its war crimes”.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-russia-resilient-ties-xi-jinping-visit-vladimir-putin-5114036
