SOCHI, November 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the West had tried to influence China's nuclear arsenals through Russia.

"They have been whispering into our ears all the time: ‘Come on, have a word with your friends in China. We wish to see them join the discussion about reducing their nuclear potentials’," Putin said at the Valdai Discussion Club’s plenary session.

To this, the Chinese friends, according to Putin, responded as follows: "Guys, come on, we have fewer delivery vehicles and fewer warheads. What are we expected to reduce? Either you yourselves reduce what you have to our level first, or let us grow to your level. Then together we will start talking about some reductions," Putin said, adding that he saw this position logical and correct.

"Everything else is nonsense," he added.

Putin pointed out that cooperation between Russia and China was one of the most important factors for international stability in general, but this, he said, "has a bearing on strategic stability in the field of nuclear weapons.".