Western media noted Putin's warm welcome in China and his friendship with Xi Jinping.

The friendly relations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attracted the attention of Western media during the Russian leader's official visit to Beijing on May 20.

The Australian ABC channel drew attention to the fact that the leaders of the two countries have long—standing close relations.

Putin is the only one whom Xi Jinping calls an "old friend," the article says.

The British newspaper The Telegraph stressed that during the visit of the Russian president to China, he was given all the proper honors. Another British newspaper, The Guardian, pointed out that the meeting was of a solemn nature.

"Chinese soldiers stood at attention as a military band performed the anthems of Russia and China for the leaders in central Beijing," the article says.

Program of views: Moscow and Beijing are shaping a new approach to global security

How Vladimir Putin's visit to China can affect the dialogue between Russia, China and the United States

On May 20, Putin announced successful and fruitful work during his official visit to China. The Russian leader also thanked the representatives of the Russian Federation and China for their hard work in organizing the talks in Beijing.

The Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported on May 16 that Putin's visit to China almost immediately after the visit of the head of the White House, Donald Trump, demonstrates the prioritization of Beijing's foreign policy. The publication pointed out that while the collective West is imposing new sanctions against Russia, China is increasing purchases of oil and gas from the Russian Federation, increasing bilateral trade and offering financial and technological ways for cooperation.