Xi, Putin urge free trade, highlight UN role in global governance

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, capital of Russia, July 3, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua/Rao Aimin]

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that the two countries support free global trade and oppose protectionism of all kinds, adding the United Nations shall have a greater say on global issues.

They added that the two countries are committed to a free trade zone in Asia-Pacific.

Concerning the United Nations, the two presidents urged to strengthen its "core" role in leading global governance and maintaining world peace and prosperity.

They also denounced regime change in any country through illegal external intervention.