Trade between the two countries was worth more than $93.8 billion, highlighting how Beijing has maintained its ‘no limits’ partnership with Moscow

BRICS foreign ministers have asserted their bloc's ambition to rival Western powers and build up their influence in a multi-polar world

When asked about allegations of Beijing targetting Russian scientists, China said Sino-Russian relations were based on "non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third parties"

Analysts say original target was China importing 38 bcm of Russia gas by 2025 – that has now jumped to 98 bcm by 2030

The two heads of state greeted one another as "dear friend" when they met in the Kremlin on Monday and held informal talks for nearly 4-1/2 hours

In an article published at the beginning of his Moscow trip, Xi said the two countries adhered to the concept of "eternal friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation"

Xi and Putin "will discuss topical issues of further development of comprehensive partnership relations," the Kremlin said

Last month, Putin hosted China's top diplomat Wang Yi in Moscow in what was seen as a preparatory meeting ahead of a Xi visit

The firm also plans to help establish a Russian production site for the drones which are similar to Iran's Shaheed-136 and can carry a 35-50kg warhead

Chinese-Russian relations "will withstand any test in a changing international situation," China's top diplomat Wang Yi told one of President Vladimir Putin's closest allies

Russia has been diverting oil exports from Europe to Asia as the US and its allies try to choke off its energy revenues to limit its ability to fund the Ukraine war

A Washington state official said ‘Beijing claims to be neutral but its behaviour makes clear it is still investing in close ties to Russia’