In brief
In a video conference lasting approximately one-and-a-half hours, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering bilateral relations on Monday, shortly after Donald Trump's inauguration. Characterizing Xi as a "dear friend," Putin emphasized the importance of their partnership rooted in mutual trust and support, particularly in light of external pressures.
During the call, Xi urged the two nations to deepen their strategic coordination and enhance mutual backing to safeguard each other's interests. This dialogue occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions from Trump's administration, which has indicated its intent to impose tariffs on China and warned Russia of consequences if it fails to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.However, as reported by Yuri Ushakov, a foreign affairs adviser to Putin, the Russian president insisted that any Ukraine resolution must respect Russian interests. Notably, China has faced allegations of supplying crucial components to support Russia's military endeavors amid the ongoing conflict.Trade relations between Russia and China have flourished, with volumes hitting a record $240 billion in 2023, reflecting a significant increase since the onset of the war. Ushakov conveyed that both leaders expressed a desire for cooperative relations with the United States, contingent on the Trump administration's interest in pursuing a respectful and beneficial dialogue.Throughout their discussions, which also covered regional issues in the Middle East, South Korea, and Taiwan, which he refrained from detailing, Xi noted China's readiness to work alongside Russia in navigating "external uncertainties." Days prior to this video call, Xi had conversed with Trump about various topics, including trade, fentanyl, and the TikTok controversy, signaling a potential path forward despite the complex geopolitical landscape. As of now, Putin has not engaged directly with Trump, aside from extending his congratulations on state television shortly before the inauguration.
