Xi shows he wants to be close to Putin - but not too close

The relationship between China and Russia is no longer one of equals.

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Xi took his place at the right-hand side of Putin, the position of a steadfast ally, as their troops marched together on Red Square as part of Moscow's Victory Day parade.

Hours earlier, Xi described the bond between the two countries as "unbreakable" and added that Russia and China should be "friends of steel".

This is Xi's 11th visit to Russia since becoming president in 2013 and the two leaders have met on more than 40 occasions.

Putin has already announced plans to visit China in the autumn and the two leaders have even, in the past, shared a rare public hug.