China and North Korea applaud Putin's election victory

TOKYO -- China and North Korea applauded Russian President Vladimir Putin's victory in a virtually opponent-less election, standing in contrast to the West's condemnation of a poll that the U.S. called "not free nor fair."

In a message to Putin relayed by state media, Chinese President Xi Jinping said: "Your re-election fully reflects the support of the Russian people. I believe that under your leadership, Russia will achieve greater national development."