COVID-19: Chinese Xi Jinping, Russian Vladimir Putin held telephone conversation

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation on Thursday evening, China Central Television reported.

During the phone talks, Xi Jinping pledged to continue to provide firm support and aid to Russia in its fight against the coronavirus spread. 

"China has already provided a shipment of [humanitarian] aid to Russia, it actively assists Russia in procurement of medical goods from People’s Republic. China will continue to provide firm support to Russia," he said, according to the Chinese TV.

China and Russia must jointly oppose the politicization of the coronavirus pandemic and "labelling," Xi Jinping stated. 

"Politicization of the pandemic and labelling will not benefit the international cooperation; China and Russia must closely cooperate and protect the global healthcare system together," Xi said, according to the Chinese TV.