"The new world order must be multi-polar," Putin said following talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao in the Kremlin.
"It must respect the interests of all and be built on a clear understanding of international rights," Putin said.
The Putin-Hu summit came less than a week before the Russian leader meets U.S. President George W. Bush in Saint Petersburg for the first time since the Iraq war.
China and Russia, both permanent UN Security Council members, opposed the U.S.-led campaign.
Hu for his part, while making no direct reference to the United States, said his country was working hard to build a lasting alliance with Russia.
"The new leadership (in China) attaches great importance to the development of Russian-Chinese relations," said Hu, making his first foreign trip since being elected as Chinese president in March.
"We believe we should make this (relations with Russia) a priority. I very much hope that my visit will promote the development of Russian-Chinese relations, partnership and strategic cooperation."
Publish Date: 27 May 2003 - 22:24
MOSCOW -- Moscow supports the creation of a "multi-polar" world, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday, in a swipe at the U.S. decision to sidestep the United Nations to launch the war on Iraq, AFP reported.