"Xi and Putin Strengthen Ties, Reject U.S. Interference"

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have emphasized their close relationship amid tensions with the United States and other Western nations. The two leaders celebrated their "unprecedented" partnership, with the Kremlin boasting about record bilateral trade volume. They criticized external interference in their internal affairs and expressed solidarity on key international issues, including opposition to U.S. policies. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the long-term challenge posed by China, particularly in relation to Taiwan, while the U.S. seeks additional foreign aid for Ukraine amidst congressional divisions.