Beijing has nevertheless denied accusations of supporting Russia's military efforts.In the call with Putin, Xi added that China is ready to stand with Russia to "face external uncertainties based on maintaining the stability and stress resistance of China-Russia relations for the prosperity of the two countries, international justice, and equality."The Chinese president stressed that bilateral cooperation between Beijing and Moscow is gradually expanding and that joint trade is trending upward.Putin, in turn, noted a 7% increase in trade between the two countries, which amounts to more than $220 billion. The Russian president also called China Russia's leading trading partner."China is the largest consumer of Russian energy resources. We hold the first place in terms of oil exports to China. Five years ago, together with you, we launched the Power of Siberia gas pipeline, and today Russia has taken the first place in natural gas supplies to China," Putin said.Since February 2022, Putin has visited China twice — first just days before launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and again in May 2024.