Xi Jinping Hosts Vladimir Putin for Beijing Talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping has begun a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, according to reports from state-run media in China.

Putin arrived in the Chinese capital on Wednesday, where Xi greeted him outside the Great Hall of the People before the two leaders went into talks. Footage carried by Russian media showed the leaders shaking hands at the entrance.

The welcome included a red-carpet reception, with Putin and Xi walking together before pausing as a military band performed the national anthems of Russia and China.

The development was reported as breaking news, with further updates expected.