Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin met in Beijing for the Belt and Road Forum amid divisions over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Both Xi and Putin praised their close partnership and strategic coordination between China and Russia. Xi said China supports Russia's sovereignty, security, and development interests. Putin called the hospital explosion in Gaza a "terrible event" and hopes the conflict ends soon so talks can begin. China also condemned the attack while calling for a ceasefire. The meeting reinforced China and Russia's strengthened relationship amid disagreements with Western nations over regional issues like Ukraine, and Israel-Palestine.