Putin rolls out red carpet for China's Xi at Kremlin

BBC LIVE Summary

China's President Xi Jinping is given a red carpet welcome by Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, as the two leaders begin formal talks.

They are expected to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine - a Putin spokesman said they will continue "a thorough exchange of views".

There are concerns in the West that China's support for Russia - currently based on technology and trade - might become military.

President Xi says China and Russia are "strategic partners" and "great neighbouring powers" - and has invited Putin to visit Beijing.

Meanwhile in Kyiv, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has arrived for talks with Ukraine's President Zelensky.

The International Criminal Court last week issued an arrest warrant for President Putin for alleged war crimes.