Yu Jie

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By Phelan ChatterjeeBBC News

Vladimir Putin has said he will discuss Xi Jinping 's 12-point plan to " settle The acute crisis in Ukraine " during a highly anticipated visit to Moscow by The Chinese president.

" We're always open for a negotiation process, " Mr Putin said, as The leaders called each other " Dear Friend ".

China released a plan to - it includes " ceasing hostilities" and resuming Peace Talks .

But on Friday The US warned The Peace plan could be a " stalling tactic".

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: " The World should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russia , supported by China or any other country, to freeze The War on its own terms. "

He added: " Calling for a ceasefire that does not include The removal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory would effectively be supporting The ratification of Russian conquest. "

China's plan did not specifically say that Russia must withdraw from Ukraine - which Ukraine has insisted as a precondition for any talks.

Instead, it talked of " respecting The sovereignty of all Countries " adding that " all parties must stay rational and exercise restraint" and " gradually de-escalate The situation".

The Plan also condemned The usage of " unilateral sanctions" - Seen as a veiled criticism of Ukraine 's allies in The West .

On Monday, a military band gave Mr Xi a warm welcome to Moscow. Mr Putin hailed China for " observing The principles of justice" and pushing for " undivided security for every country".

In Return , Mr Xi told Mr Putin: " Under your strong leadership, Russia has made great strides in its prosperous development. I Am confident that The Russian people will continue to give you their firm support. "

Before Mr Xi's arrival, Mr Putin wrote in China's People's Daily newspaper that The Two Nations would not be weakened by " aggressive" US policy.

Publicly, Ukrainian leaders have been emphasising The Common Ground they have with China - respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.

But privately, they have been lobbying for a meeting - or telephone Call - Between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mr Xi.

The Fear in Kyiv is that China's support for Russia - currently based around technology and Trade - might become military, potentially including artillery shells.

" If China does move to openly supply weapons to Russia , it will in effect be taking part in The Conflict on The side of The aggressor, " said Oleksiy Danilov , The Secretary of Ukraine 's National Security and Defence Council.

It was in Beijing's interests to stabilise The Relationship with Russia , with which it shares a 4,300km (2,700 mile) border, said Yu Jie , a research fellow On China at Chatham House .

Russia is a source of oil for Beijing's huge economy, and is Seen as a partner in Standing Up to The US.

Ms Yu added that Mr Xi had just scored a which have now resumed diplomatic ties.

This could be a chance for him to explore The opportunity to mediate Between Russia and Ukraine .

Mr Xi will be treated to a seven-course meal including nelma fish from The Pechora River in northern Russia , a traditional Russian seafood soup and pancakes with Quail - alongside Russian wine.

Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has indicated there will be a " detailed explanation" of Moscow's actions in Ukraine over dinner. Russian and Chinese delegations will hold talks Tomorrow - The main day of The Visit .

The Meeting comes days after The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an over war crime allegations.

This means Mr Putin could technically be arrested in 123 Countries - though neither China nor Russia are on that list.

Making A Trip to Moscow so soon after The ICC's announcement suggests China feels " no responsibility to hold The Kremlin accountable" for atrocities in Ukraine , Mr Blinken said.

Western leaders have been attempting since last February to isolate Russia , following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine .

But they have been unable to establish a global consensus, with China, India and several African nations reluctant to condemn Mr Putin.

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Source of news: bbc.com