China’s President says he will support Russia on security matters in high-stakes talks with President Putin

Speaking on his 69th birthday, Xi Jinping is vowing to deepen strategic coordination between the two countries.

The two leaders met face-to-face on the eve of the Beijing Olympics, and just before Russia’s invasion.

China continues to push all parties for a proper settlement on the crisis but has abstained from crucial U.N. votes when it comes to the war.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin says the two leaders’ relations are “at an all-time high”.

It comes as the U.S. urges Americans not to travel to Ukraine after reports that two people had been captured by Russian forces.

U.S. officials have repeatedly called on countries to condemn Russia’s actions.

President Biden had a call with Xi earlier this year, where he warned China against offering material support to Russia.

That hasn’t stopped the U.S. from helping Ukraine, with the nation releasing USD 1 billion in new security assistance to Kyiv amid fierce fighting in eastern Ukraine.