Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Chinese counterpart on Tuesday that their countries' ties were at an "unprecedented level" during talks in Beijing ahead of a massive military parade.

World leaders including North Korea's Kim Jong Un are gathering in China's capital for the showcase of Beijing's might on Wednesday.

"Our close communication reflects the strategic nature of Russian-Chinese ties, which are currently at an unprecedented level," Putin told Xi in remarks on a pooled live feed.

In a nod to cooperation between the two countries during the war, Putin said "we were always together then, and we remain together now."

Xi has embarked on a flurry of diplomatic meetings this week, including attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the northern city

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