Xi, Putin open talks in Beijing

President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin opened talks in Beijing on Wednesday. Prior to their meeting, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Putin, who's on a state visit to China. Xi was seen walking down the steps of the Great Hall of the People before Putin arrived in his state limousine. The two leaders shook hands and greeted officials from both sides. They then walked down the red carpet and inspected a guard of honour before heading for talks. The two leaders will exchange views on bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, and international and regional issues of mutual interest, according to the Foreign Ministry. Putin, who's on his 25th visit to China, arrived in Beijing on Tuesday night. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation. (Additional reporting by Xinhua) Edited by Raymond Yeung