 China obviously is a key ally of Russia. It is not condemned the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. President Xi, after the meeting, said that an early ceasefire and a political settlement would be in the interest of all parties. The problem is there's no basis currently for Ukraine and Russia with their red lines to have such a negotiation. BBC correspondent Danny Eberhardt. Japan and the Philippines have signed a defense pact allowing Japanese forces to deploy in the Southeast Asian country for joint military exercises.