Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video call shortly after Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday. According to state media, both leaders pledged to take their bilateral ties to “greater heights.”
Building on Friendship and Trust
Putin, referring to Xi as a “dear friend,” emphasized that Russia and China are strengthening their relationship based on “friendship, mutual trust, and support,” despite external challenges. Furthermore, Xi encouraged the two countries to continue deepening their strategic coordination and mutual support.
Trump’s Threats and Putin’s Response
Meanwhile, following Trump’s threat of tariffs on China and his warning to Russia regarding the Ukraine war, Putin made it clear that any resolution in Ukraine must respect Russian interests. According to foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s stance was outlined during the call with Xi.
Record Trade Between Russia and China
In addition, trade between Russia and China reached a record $240 billion in 2023, marking a 64% increase since 2021. Despite accusations that China has aided Russia’s war efforts, the two countries have continued to see significant trade growth.
Call Not Linked to Trump’s Inauguration
Interestingly, Putin and Xi expressed their readiness to build relations with the U.S. on a mutually beneficial and respectful basis, should the Trump administration show interest. However, Ushakov clarified that the call was unrelated to Trump’s inauguration.
Global Issues Discussed
Moreover, during the hour-and-a-half-long call, Xi and Putin discussed critical global issues, including the Middle East, South Korea, and Taiwan. Chinese state media reported that Xi also expressed readiness to collaborate with Putin in response to “external uncertainties,” though specifics were not provided.
Xi’s Previous Call with Trump
In contrast, Xi had a phone call with Trump last week, which the U.S. president described as “very good.” The two leaders discussed various matters, including trade, fentanyl, and TikTok. On the other hand, Putin has not yet spoken with Trump but congratulated him on state television before the inauguration.
