China and Russia Show Unity Against West
• Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in a show of mutual support against Western democracies • Russia and China oppose events that don't take Russia's position into account, backing each other diplomatically • China has not provided direct military support for Russia but maintained economic ties amid Western sanctions • Xi and Putin will continue close exchanges this year with possible visits to each other's capitals • Biden pressed China over its defense relationship with Russia and to wield influence over North Korea