Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a meeting Thursday in Uzbekistan. Putin is trying to strengthen ties with China there. Russia has become increasingly isolated due to the war that Russia has started in Ukraine.

Putin says he supports the Chinese in the so-called one-China policy, which also includes Taiwan. In doing so, he is speaking out against the “provocations” of the United States. The Americans are the only country in the world that openly supports Taiwan, much to the chagrin of China. They take it too Leadership in the supply of arms to Ukraine.

China has neither condemned the Russian operation in Ukraine nor called it an invasion. The country is the only world power that has not yet issued a clear statement on the war. Putin values ​​Xi’s position on the war in Ukraine, but also understands that Beijing has “questions and concerns” about the conflict.

“We appreciate the balanced position of our Chinese friends when it comes to the crisis in Ukraine,” Putin said. “We understand your questions and concerns about this. We will of course explain our position during today’s meeting.”

Putin and Xi attend the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SSO) summit in Samarkand. It was their first face-to-face meeting since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.