Sports Diplomacy: Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin attend ice hockey match in Tianjin

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01:54

Attending an ice hockey match in the port city of Tianjin was an opportunity for the Chinese president and his Russian counterpart to showcase their friendship. Our correspondent Ning Hong reports.

A relaxed evening for two sports fans who have day jobs in politics. Chinese President Xi and Russian President Putin enjoyed an ice hockey match between youth teams from China and Russia. The match was held in Tianjin Stadium, about 115 kilometers from Beijing. It was watched by thousands of spectators.

MAXIM ICE HOCKEY PLAYER "President Putin asked me my opinion on China's ice hockey. I said it is developing fast. He agreed that China is a fast learner."

Putin is in China on a state visit. The two leaders encouraged the players to keep practicing and strengthen their friendship.

NING HONG TIANJIN "China will host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, and accordingly has made plans to promote ice sports in China. And cooperation between China and Russia in ice sports is expected to be enhanced as well."

Russia has a long history of hockey success. Putin said the outlook for China's ice hockey is good.

XU CHENGXIAO, SECRETARY GENERAL CHINESE ICE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION "This is really an inspiring event for the sport of ice hockey, a great support for the sport's development, its spreading popularity among young people, and our preparation for the Winter Olympic Games."

CAPTAIN OF RUSSIAN YOUTH TEAM "Today's competition feels really good, and I would love to play during the Winter Olympics in Beijing."

The two countries are also hoping for progress off the ice. Putin and Xi will be among the leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Summit this weekend. Ning Hong, CGTN, Tianjin.