China welcomes US-Russia summit

China said on Tuesday it is glad to see Moscow and Washington improve their relations, a comment that came as US President Donald Trump triggered a tsunami of criticism at home for his "weak" and "treasonous" performance at a news conference on Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"China hopes the two countries will strengthen communication and dialogue and expand their cooperation, which will benefit world peace and development as well as unite the international community to jointly tackle common challenges," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in Beijing.

"We have confidence in the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, which will not be affected by any external factors," she said, adding that "our position on developing relations with the US is consistent and clear".