Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin meet in Beijing for talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin began their meeting in Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese state media reported.

Xi welcomed Putin to the Chinese capital, shaking hands with the Russian leader outside the Great Hall of the People in advance of their talks, according to video footage from Russian media.

Before entering the hall, Putin and Xi walked down a red carpet rolled out to greet the Russian leader, standing as a military band played the national anthems of both countries.

State media provided the initial report on the meeting, which is part of ongoing high-level diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.

This is a breaking news story with more details to follow.