Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked China for its neutral stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Uzbekistan.

It is the first time the heads of state have met in person since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. During the meeting, Putin said he endorsed China's 'One China policy and condemned US provocations in the Taiwan Strait.

"We highly appreciate China's balanced stance on the Ukraine crisis. We understand your concerns and questions regarding this. "We will certainly explain our position at today's meeting," Putin said in his opening speech at the bilateral meeting.

Putin also expressed his clear support for China on the issue of Taiwan.

Xi Jinping described Putin as an "old friend". He also said that he is ready to work with Russia to fulfil the responsibility of the great powers. Russia has become closer to China since sending armed forces to Ukraine. This led to further sanctions against Russia by Western countries.

The two met on the sidelines of the eight-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organization that includes India, Pakistan and four ex-Soviet nations in Central Asia. The security alliance was created as a counterweight to U.S. influence.

Observers say Russia is likely to become more dependent on China as a market for oil and gas as the West moves to impose price caps on its energy sources and cut imports altogether.

The Chinese leader is promoting a "Global Security Initiative" announced in April following the formation of the Quad by the U.S., Japan, Australia and India in response to Beijing's more assertive foreign policy. Xi has given few details, but U.S. officials complain it echoes Russian arguments in support of Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

The region is part of China's multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative to expand trade by building ports, railways and other infrastructure across an arc of dozens of countries from the South Pacific through Asia to the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

On Thursday, Xi met with President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan and said Beijing supports the "early operation" of a planned railway linking China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, the Chinese foreign ministry said.

China's economic inroads into Central Asia have fueled unease in Russia, which sees the region as its sphere of influence.

Xi visited Kazakhstan on Wednesday en route to Uzbekistan. Pope Francis was in Kazakhstan, but they did not meet.

The Biden administration described the Putin-X talks as part of a compromise that worries Washington.

The Russian leader also met with Central Asian leaders and planned a session with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday