Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have expressed their opposition to the further expansion of NATO.

The two leaders issued a joint statement after their talks in Beijing on Friday, amid escalating tensions over Ukraine between Russia and the West.

Putin is in the city to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Putin praised their "unprecedented" bilateral relations and said they are a good example of ties that support mutual development.

Xi is said to have replied that their meeting will bring further vitality to China-Russia relations.

Putin had expressed hope that the two leaders would discuss the situation over Ukraine.

He appears to have won the Chinese president's understanding on a security issue important to Russia.