Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed their strategic partnership and addressed external pressures in a recent video conference.
Xi and Putin Discuss Strengthening Ties Amid US Leadership Change
Xi and Putin Discuss Strengthening Ties Amid US Leadership Change
Leaders pledge to enhance cooperation in a video call shortly after Trump's swearing-in.
In a video call held just hours after Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The conversation lasted approximately one and a half hours, where Putin addressed Xi as his “dear friend” and emphasized the significance of building ties based on “friendship, mutual trust, and support” amidst external challenges.
During the call, Xi urged the enhancement of strategic coordination between the two nations, calling for a firm mutual support system to protect their legitimate interests. This dialogue came in the wake of Trump’s threats of tariffs against China, labeling it an "abuser", and his warning regarding potential repercussions for Russia should it fail to reach a resolution in Ukraine.
Putin conveyed to Xi that any resolution regarding Ukraine must take into account Russian interests, as articulated by foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov. Accusations have arisen that China has been aiding Russia in its military efforts through the supply of essential components amid the ongoing conflict. Trade statistics reveal that economic relations between China and Russia hit a record high of $240bn in 2023, marking a significant increase of over 64% since 2021, prior to the invasion of Ukraine.
Ushakov also noted that both leaders expressed their willingness to engage with the US on a basis of mutual respect and benefit, contingent upon interest from the Trump administration. Despite the timing of the discussion coinciding with Trump’s inauguration, Ushakov clarified that the call was not directly related to U.S. leadership changes.
In addition to discussing bilateral relations, Putin and Xi touched on various global issues, including situations in the Middle East, South Korea, and Taiwan. Meanwhile, Chinese state media reported that Xi conveyed his intent to collaborate with Putin in navigating “external uncertainties” without going into detail. Notably, Xi previously had a phone conversation with Trump, which the US president characterized as a positive exchange centered around topics like trade and TikTok, but Putin has not yet engaged directly with Trump, despite sending congratulations through state television prior to the inauguration.
During the call, Xi urged the enhancement of strategic coordination between the two nations, calling for a firm mutual support system to protect their legitimate interests. This dialogue came in the wake of Trump’s threats of tariffs against China, labeling it an "abuser", and his warning regarding potential repercussions for Russia should it fail to reach a resolution in Ukraine.
Putin conveyed to Xi that any resolution regarding Ukraine must take into account Russian interests, as articulated by foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov. Accusations have arisen that China has been aiding Russia in its military efforts through the supply of essential components amid the ongoing conflict. Trade statistics reveal that economic relations between China and Russia hit a record high of $240bn in 2023, marking a significant increase of over 64% since 2021, prior to the invasion of Ukraine.
Ushakov also noted that both leaders expressed their willingness to engage with the US on a basis of mutual respect and benefit, contingent upon interest from the Trump administration. Despite the timing of the discussion coinciding with Trump’s inauguration, Ushakov clarified that the call was not directly related to U.S. leadership changes.
In addition to discussing bilateral relations, Putin and Xi touched on various global issues, including situations in the Middle East, South Korea, and Taiwan. Meanwhile, Chinese state media reported that Xi conveyed his intent to collaborate with Putin in navigating “external uncertainties” without going into detail. Notably, Xi previously had a phone conversation with Trump, which the US president characterized as a positive exchange centered around topics like trade and TikTok, but Putin has not yet engaged directly with Trump, despite sending congratulations through state television prior to the inauguration.
