China's foreign ministry has sent its best wishes to President Putin ahead of his inauguration. CGTN's Hou Na reports from the ministry.

HOU NA BEIJING "During the press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gengshuang answered questions on China-US relations, situations on the Korean Peninsula, China-Russia and China-Japan ties. Russia will hold its inauguration ceremony today, Putin will officially start its fourth term. Gengshuang expressed China's congratulation."

GENG SHUANG CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON "China wants to express its heartfelt congratulations in advance to President Putin. President Xi Jinping has sent his congratulations to President Putin. We believe, under the leadership of President Putin, Russia will make greater achievements in its social economic development. With the two leaders working closely together, bilateral relations have developed great momentum. Both China and Russia have entered a key stage of national development. We believe under the leadership of the two heads of state, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership for coordination will become more substantial."