Putin and Xi Jinping hold meeting in Beijing

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have kicked off bilateral talks in Beijing, on the eve of a massive military parade in the Chinese capital.

The Chinese leader said on Tuesday that the China-Russia relationship has become an example of major-country ties, featuring permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Russian President said he was grateful to Xi Jinping, his "dear friend", for the warm welcome he has received during his trip to China.

"Our close communication reflects the strategic nature of Russia-China relations, which are at an unprecedentedly high level," Vladimir Putin said.

Earlier today, the Russian leader held a trilateral meeting with Xi Jinping and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in Beijing.

Xi is set to host China's largest-ever military parade on Wednesday, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the surrender of the Japanese in China at the end of World War Two. In May, Xi similarly visited Moscow for Russia's celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.