Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video conference on Tuesday to reaffirm and enhance the close partnership between their nations. During the meeting, Xi expressed his commitment to elevating China-Russia relations and addressing “external uncertainties” through the stability and resilience of their bilateral ties, according to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of strategic coordination and practical cooperation. Xi highlighted the need for mutual support, while Putin praised the record-high trade volumes between the two countries, citing Chinese data. Both leaders reiterated their shared goal of fostering a multipolar world order and ensuring global and regional security.
Putin commended their joint efforts, claiming these initiatives play a stabilizing role in international affairs. He also noted that the two nations’ collaboration aligns with their vision of reshaping what they perceive as an inequitable global system dominated by the United States.
Broader Diplomatic Context
The conversation between Xi and Putin took place as both leaders observe developments in U.S. foreign policy. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov mentioned that the leaders discussed their respective relations with the United States during the call. However, he clarified that the timing of the discussion was unrelated to recent changes in U.S. leadership.
Neither side disclosed whether the ongoing war in Ukraine was specifically addressed during their meeting. Instead, the conversation touched on other topics, including the upcoming commemorations of the 80th anniversary of World War II’s allied victory. Both leaders invited each other to events marking the occasion, to be held in Russia in May and China in September.
China has positioned itself as a potential peace broker in the Ukraine conflict, although Western nations have criticized Beijing for allegedly supporting Russia’s war efforts. China denies these allegations, maintaining that its exports to Russia comply with international regulations.
