Putin arrives at Olympics, praises Russian relations with China amid crisis in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday arrived in Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympic Games and talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, as the two leaders look to project themselves as a counterweight to the U.S. and its allies.

Kicking off his visit, the Russian leader praised "unprecedented" close relations as China increasingly shows support for Moscow in its dispute with Ukraine that threatens to break out into armed conflict.

Putin's presence makes him the highest-profile guest at the event following the decision by Canada, the U.S., Britain and others not to send officials in protest over China's human rights abuses and its treatment of Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities.

Russian television showed Putin's opening remarks, as he said the countries' bilateral ties were a "worthy" example.

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Relations "are developing in a progressive way with a spirit of friendship and strategic partnership," Putin said. "They have indeed become unprecedented. It's an example of dignified relations that support mutual development."

Putin highlighted close economic ties, including a new contract to supply China with 10 billion cubic metres of gas per year from eastern Russian.

"For our meeting today, our oilmen have prepared very good new solutions for the supply of hydrocarbons to the People's Republic of China, and another step forward has been taken in the gas industry," Putin said.

Russia has long been a key supplier of oil, gas and coal for China's massive economy, now the world's second largest, along with food stuffs and other raw materials.

China's state-run news agency reported the two leaders met at the Diaoyutai