Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted their strengthening partnership during a video call on Tuesday, shortly after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States.
Trump, who has vowed to take a harder line against Washington’s adversaries, has threatened to impose steep tariffs on China and warned Russia of “serious consequences” if it does not end its war in Ukraine.
During the call, Putin told Xi that Russia and China were deepening their relationship “based on friendship, mutual trust, and support,” despite mounting external pressures.
“Russia and China’s joint efforts serve as an important stabilizing factor in global affairs,” Putin said, according to the Kremlin.
Xi, in turn, expressed optimism about elevating ties with Moscow to “new heights” in the coming year, as reported by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
“Both nations should continue to enhance strategic coordination, firmly support one another, and safeguard the legitimate interests of both countries,” Xi said, according to CCTV. He also emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral relations and expand “practical cooperation.”
The partnership between Moscow and Beijing has grown closer in military and trade areas since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, raising concerns in the United States, which views both nations as significant threats to global stability.
China has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict while remaining a key political and economic ally of Moscow, refraining from condemning Russia’s actions.
During the call, both leaders underscored their strong personal relationship, with Xi referring to Putin as his “best friend” and Putin describing Xi as a “reliable partner.”
