VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (Reuters) -Chinese banks are still delaying payments for Russian imports by up to four weeks, a senior executive at metals producer Nornickel said on Thursday, despite assurances from Russian officials that payment problems with China are easing.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin said his ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping are at an "unprecedented level" as the two met in Beijing on the eve of a massive military parade.

President Vladimir Putin appears to have secured a diplomatic win he has sought for years, with a massive pipeline deal that would tie Russia and China together for decades and could redefine the global gas trade.