Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday congratulated Vladimir Putin on his inauguration as Russian president for his fourth term.

 “China wants to express its heartfelt congratulations in advance to President Putin. President Xi Jinping has already sent his congratulatory messages to President Putin. We believe under the leadership of President Putin, Russia will make greater achievement in its social economic development," said spokesperson Geng Shuang at a regular briefing.

"Under the strategic guide and personal care of the two leaders, bilateral relations have developed with high momentum. The current comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries is at its best level in history," he said.

"Both China and Russia have entered a key stage of national development. We believe under the leadership of the two heads of states, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation will become more substantial," Geng added.