China is keeping Russia at arms length.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Leader Xi Jinping  have met in Uzbekistan in their first face to face meeting since Russia invaded Ukraine.

In public comments Putin told Xi he ''understands'' his "questions and concerns" about the war.

Cecile Shea from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs told Mike Hosking Xi can't be seen supporting the invasion right now.

She says China has a "reputation problem" around the world and doesn't want to make that worse.

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