"We are guided by the principles of the United Nations ... and promote a peaceful settlement" of fighting in Ukraine, Xi said. "We are always for peace and dialogue," he added.

Meanwhile, China's President said he had signed an agreement with his Russian counterpart bringing their ties into a "new era" of cooperation.

"We signed a statement on deepening the strategic partnership and bilateral ties which are entering a new era," Xi said following talks with Putin in the Kremlin.