China’s President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin have celebrated the strong economic, political, and security partnership between their nations during a recent video call, emphasizing its stabilizing influence amid global turbulence. The two countries have bolstered their alliance in response to challenges from the West, especially since Russia’s 2022 military actions in Ukraine.
During the call, Xi and Putin acknowledged the need to further enhance their cooperation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining steady development in their relationship through closer strategic coordination and proactive engagement as major powers. Putin lauded the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China, labeling it as exemplary.
While specific areas of strategic collaboration were not detailed, Putin highlighted the resilience of trade ties between the two countries. He noted that Russia has redirected its exports towards Asia following substantial sanctions imposed by Western nations in response to the Ukraine conflict. China’s support for Russia in the conflict has been evident, with Beijing refraining from denouncing the war or calling for troop withdrawal, leading to speculation about its backing of Moscow.
The video call coincided with negotiations involving Russian, Ukrainian, and US representatives in Abu Dhabi aimed at resolving the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Despite this context, Putin did not touch upon the Ukraine situation during the call with Xi.
Both leaders have a history of high-level engagements, with their last in-person meeting occurring in September at a military parade in Beijing. Xi’s visit to Moscow in May last year to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II also underscored the close ties between the two nations.
Additionally, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently met with Russia’s security chief Sergei Shoigu in Beijing, stressing the importance of upholding multilateralism and advocating for a balanced multipolar world amidst global turmoil.
Xi’s reaffirmation of China’s commitment to the United Nations system during the call with Putin aligns with his previous discussions with leaders from France, Canada, Britain, and Brazil. The Chinese leader, who has highlighted the UN’s pivotal role in the international system, has engaged with various countries to bolster diplomatic ties as a response to the shifting dynamics in the United States.
In contrast to the US’s proposed “Board of Peace,” which raised concerns about challenging the UN’s authority, China has maintained its engagement with the international body while expressing reservations about internal interference. Beijing’s efforts to position itself as a reliable alternative to Washington have attracted visits from Western leaders seeking stability in the face of geopolitical uncertainties, including Trump’s controversial Greenland acquisition bid and tariff policies. Recent visits to Beijing by leaders from France, Canada, Finland, and Uruguay highlight China’s diplomatic outreach and growing influence on the global stage.
