Xi shows he wants to be close to Putin - but not too close2 days ago Share Save Laura Bicker China Correspondent Share SaveReuters China's Xi Jinping sat beside Putin in Moscow - an indication of his significance in Friday's paradeChinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin make it look like they're the best of friends. In truth, President Xi is walking a very fine line. If President Xi appears to stand too close to Putin, it could cause friction with Europe at a time when it is looking for friendship. Trump's initial attempts to end the war in Ukraine had him touting his close personal relationship with Putin. EPA-EFE/Shutterstock President Xi and President Putin were joined by other world leaders as they observed the military parade