Xi Jinping Meets Top Russian Diplomat, Underscoring China-Russia Alliance Amid Ukraine War
• Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Russian diplomat Sergey Lavrov in Beijing, underscoring China's strong ties with Russia.
• The meeting comes after Russian President Putin suggested China could be his first overseas trip after extending his rule in Russia.
• China has emerged as a key economic and diplomatic partner for isolated Russia since the Ukraine invasion.
• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi touted the countries' ties as the "highest level in history."
• Lavrov and Wang discussed holding an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine to end the war.