Xi Hails Putin's Election Win, Wants To Raise Ties

President Xi Jinping on Monday congratulated Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on his re-election, saying Beijing was willing to work with Moscow to bring ties to a "higher level".

Putin won in a landslide on Sunday, one day after China's parliament unanimously re-appointed Xi to a second term.

Xi has drawn comparisons with Putin, as the mainland leader has consolidated power and gained a path to indefinite rule after the National People's Congress lifted presidential term limits last week.

"Currently, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership is at the best level in history, which sets an example for building a new type of international relations," Xi said in a message to Putin, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

"China is willing to work with Russia to keep promoting China-Russia relations to a higher level, provide driving force for respective national development in both countries, and promote regional and global peace and tranquility," Xi said. (AFP)