Xi, Putin to speak via video link: Kremlin
The Kremlin has said Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks via video link with President Xi Jinping on Friday.  Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday that "it will be very important to exchange views on the most acute regional problems, which are both those that are closer to us, to Russia, and those that are closer to China". "In the spirit of a real strategic partnership, our leaders will discuss these problems," Peskov added. The two countries this month conducted joint naval drills, which Russia's army chief described as a response to the "aggressive" US military posturing in the Asia-Pacific region. Last week, Putin inaugurated a gas field in eastern Siberia that will allow Russia to increase its energy exports to China. (AFP)