"We are a good example for other powers in terms of respect and openness. The development of our ties is conducive to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world," Xi said during a closed-door meeting at the Great Hall of the People. "Despite some ups and downs, our relations have been growing stronger and have withstood the test of changes in the international landscape," the Chinese leader said, according to a foreign ministry statement. "We will continue to cement our friendship and uphold justice in the world," he said. Putin was greeted with an honor guard, a gun salute and the playing of both national anthems by a military band. The two leaders inspected the honor guard before heading into their closed-door talks, according to footage broadcast live on Chinese state broadcaster CGTN. The Russian leader arrived just after 4:00 am local time (9:00 pm Wednesday GMT) for a visit that will last until Friday. The trip comes after Putin's inauguration for a fifth term and Xi Jinping's recent trip to Europe, where the Chinese leader faced renewed pressure to persuade his Russian counterpart to end the offensive in Ukraine. Noting that he has met Putin "more than 40 times," the Chinese leader said he maintains "close communication" with his Russian counterpart and that they share "strategic guidance" that "ensures the sound, steady and sustained development of bilateral ties." "The China-Russia relationship is a hard-won relationship today, and the two sides should cherish and promote it," he said. Xi said China is willing to work with Russia "to continue to be good neighbors, good friends and good partners." The visit also comes a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced in Kyiv an additional $2 billion in aid to help Ukraine buy weapons and boost its own domestic arms production. This is Putin's second visit to Beijing in less than a year, after he attended the Belt and Road Forum in October 2023. For the Chinese leader, the visit will be an opportunity to show that his affinity with Putin has not compromised his ability to maintain relations with the West, especially after Washington asked Beijing not to supply components that could be used in the war. China, which has not condemned the invasion, has denied having military ties with Russia, but has called for a conference "recognized by all parties" to resume peace talks. Trade between China and Russia grew by 26.3% year-on-year in 2023, to $240 billion. Beijing has become the largest market for Russian oil and gas and a major source of imports, including dual-use goods with civilian and military applications, that keep the Russian war machine operating, even though China has banned the sale of weapons to its neighbor. In recent months, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have visited China and warned Chinese officials and financial institutions that they could face sanctions if they facilitate payments for the Russian war machine. Read Also: Xi Jinping receives Putin with military honors before meeting (Portuguese version)