Beijing ready to boost cooperation with Moscow: Xi
President Xi Jinping on Friday told Russian leader Vladimir Putin that Beijing is ready to increase strategic cooperation in the face of what he called a “difficult” international situation.  The two leaders were speaking via video link, where Putin said the importance of China-Russia relations was rising as a stabilising factor, and that he aimed to deepen military cooperation between the two countries. The Russian leader hailed the efforts of both countries to counter what he described as "unprecedented Western pressure and provocations". Putin also said he was expecting Xi to make a state visit to Russia in spring 2023. “We are expecting you, dear Mr Chairman, dear friend, we are expecting for you next spring on a state visit to Moscow.”  Beijing and Moscow had hailed their relationship as a "no limits" partnership. 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. (Reuters/AFP)