<p>Russian leader Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday he was keen to ramp up military cooperation and hailed the two countries' efforts to counter Western influence.</p>.<p>Battered by unprecedented Western sanctions over Moscow's assault against Ukraine, Putin has hoped to strengthen political and military ties with China.</p>.<p>Moscow's offensive in Ukraine is a sensitive issue for Beijing.</p>.<p>China has sought to position itself as neutral over the conflict but has offered diplomatic backing to its strategic ally Russia.</p>.<p>"We aim to strengthen cooperation between the armed forces of Russia and China," Putin told Xi by video link at the start of the talks, calling the Chinese leader a "dear friend".</p>.<p>The Kremlin chief also hailed the efforts of Moscow and Beijing to counter "unprecedented Western pressure and provocations".</p>.<p>"In the context of growing geopolitical tensions, the importance is growing of the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership as a stabilising factor," Putin said.</p>.<p>"We share the same views on the causes, course and logic of the ongoing transformation of the global geopolitical landscape," he added.</p>.<p>As the West seeks to cut reliance on Russian oil and gas, Putin has looked to energy markets in Asia.</p>.<p>"Russia has become one of the leaders when it comes to oil exports to China," Putin said.</p>.<p>The Russian leader said he was expecting Xi in Moscow on a state visit next spring.</p>
<p>Russian leader Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday he was keen to ramp up military cooperation and hailed the two countries' efforts to counter Western influence.</p>.<p>Battered by unprecedented Western sanctions over Moscow's assault against Ukraine, Putin has hoped to strengthen political and military ties with China.</p>.<p>Moscow's offensive in Ukraine is a sensitive issue for Beijing.</p>.<p>China has sought to position itself as neutral over the conflict but has offered diplomatic backing to its strategic ally Russia.</p>.<p>"We aim to strengthen cooperation between the armed forces of Russia and China," Putin told Xi by video link at the start of the talks, calling the Chinese leader a "dear friend".</p>.<p>The Kremlin chief also hailed the efforts of Moscow and Beijing to counter "unprecedented Western pressure and provocations".</p>.<p>"In the context of growing geopolitical tensions, the importance is growing of the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership as a stabilising factor," Putin said.</p>.<p>"We share the same views on the causes, course and logic of the ongoing transformation of the global geopolitical landscape," he added.</p>.<p>As the West seeks to cut reliance on Russian oil and gas, Putin has looked to energy markets in Asia.</p>.<p>"Russia has become one of the leaders when it comes to oil exports to China," Putin said.</p>.<p>The Russian leader said he was expecting Xi in Moscow on a state visit next spring.</p>