Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping have met in Moscow. The leaders have expressed their intention to further enhance bilateral relations, with the US administration of President Donald Trump in mind.



The talks began in the Kremlin on Thursday morning. Putin had invited Xi to Moscow to coincide with events to celebrate the former Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Russia marks victory day on May 9 every year.



At the beginning of the meeting, Putin said the bilateral ties built during the harsh war is one of the foundations of the two countries' current cooperation. He said the bilateral relations are equal and mutually beneficial, not the kind swayed by international affairs.



Xi commented on the international situation, saying it faces unilateralism and bullying. He said China is ready to work with Russia to resolutely defend the rights and interests of the two nations and those of developing countries, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, together with economic globalization.



The two leaders are expected to exchange opinions on how to deal with the US administration, as well as on the situation in Ukraine.



Xi is scheduled to attend a Russian ceremony to celebrate the victory in World War Two and watch a military parade on Friday.