Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing ahead of China’s largest-ever military parade, describing their relationship as at an “unprecedented level.”

Russia will increase gas supplies to China, while Beijing will trial visa-free travel for Russians. Xi is also set to host North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, marking his first multilateral international meeting.

The gathering highlights China’s growing global influence and solidarity with Russia and North Korea amid the Ukraine war, with both Putin and Xi criticizing the West and promoting alternative international governance, the BBC has reported.

The parade will feature tens of thousands of troops, signaling China’s diplomatic and military power.