BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin as an "old friend" during a series of meetings on Tuesday. This gathering comes as both nations navigate overlapping and distinct challenges posed by the United States.

The relationship between China and Russia has intensified in recent years, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Putin referred to Xi as a "dear friend" and noted that the ties between Moscow and Beijing are currently "at an unprecedentedly high level."

After their formal discussions, the leaders planned to meet for tea with some of their senior aides. Their talks occurred shortly after both attended a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tianjin, and just before a significant military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Historically, the Soviet Union maintained a neutral stance during much of the war in Asia but aided China in its earlier conflicts against Japanese forces in the 1930s. The Soviet Union also declared war on Japan in the final days of World War II, sending troops into Japanese-occupied northeastern China. "We were always together then, we remain together now," Putin stated.

China has claimed neutrality in the Ukraine conflict but has continued to support Russia economically by maintaining trade despite Western sanctions. Some Chinese companies have faced accusations of supporting Russia's military industry.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit also brought together Xi and Putin with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held separate discussions with both leaders. The U.S. tariffs imposed during Donald Trump's presidency have shifted India's relations closer to China and Russia, although Modi will not participate in China's military parade.

Before their bilateral talks, Putin and Xi met with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. Mongolia, a landlocked nation rich in grasslands and minerals, is situated between China and Russia. In his opening remarks, Putin emphasized the shared interests of the three nations, stating, "Our three countries have much in common."

In 2024, Putin is expected to visit Mongolia, where the government has previously disregarded calls to arrest him based on an International Criminal Court warrant related to alleged war crimes from the Ukraine invasion.