China’s Xi meets Russian FM Lavrov, calls relations with Moscow ‘precious’

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, urging for 'closer and stronger strategic coordination' between China and Russia. Xi emphasized the importance of defending their legitimate interests amid an unstable international landscape. Lavrov stated that Moscow could compensate for China's energy shortages due to the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, which is impacting global energy exports.