The Chinese president’s statements come amid increasing efforts on both sides to simmer down tensions and have rekindled hopes of Xi-Biden meeting later this year

Xi was the only state leader personally received by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the airport; in contrast Indian prime minister Narendra Modi was met by Ramaphosa’s deputy

“To say [Xi’s absence] is extraordinary is an understatement as Chinese leaders never miss highly choreographed events like this,” one China expert said

Beijing said Biden's comments “go totally against facts and seriously violate diplomatic protocol, and severely infringe on China’s political dignity”

Biden says Blinken did a "hell of a job" in China, after Secretary of State said US does not support independence for Taiwan, and pressed China to remain 'vigilant' of firms giving arms to Russia

Xi has previously said China needs to seize opportunities to use AI to drive economic development, but has also cautioned about its risks

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

Investors hope premier Li Qiang's close ties with president Xi Jinping will enable him to push for more business-friendly policies