Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in Beijing, China May 16, 2024, in this still image taken from live broadcast video. Kremlin.ru/Handout via REUTERS Xi lauds China-Russia ties as Putin lands in Beijing By Bernard Orr and Guy Faulconbridge BEIJING/MOSCOW, May 16 2024 (Reuters) Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to work with counterpart Vladimir Putin to "rejuvenate" their countries as the pair started a day of talks in Beijing, saying China would "always be a good partner" of Russia, according to Chinese state media. Putin arrived earlier on Thursday for a two-day state visit that will include detailed talks on Ukraine, Asia, energy and trade with Xi, his most powerful political backer and fellow geopolitical rival of the United States. "The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it," Xi told Putin as they met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing for their
