In brief
In a recent video call, leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin emphasized their robust friendship, signaling resilience against U.S. attempts to create discord.
In a significant display of solidarity, Chinese President Xi Jinping characterized the relationship between China and Russia as one of “true friends who have been through thick and thin together” during a video call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. This statement, reported by Chinese state media, underscores the leaders' commitment to their alliance, especially in light of shifting U.S. foreign policy under President Trump. Xi stressed that the bond between the two nations remains unscathed by external pressures, especially from the United States, which he indirectly referenced. He asserted that the longstanding rapport between Beijing and Moscow serves as a cornerstone of stability in global affairs. Echoing this sentiment, the Kremlin described the dialogue as “warm and friendly,” emphasizing the importance of Russian-Chinese cooperation in international relations. This call marked the second interaction between the two leaders in just over a month, occurring against the backdrop of Trump's recent outreach to Putin. In a controversial phone call earlier, Trump shifted the narrative by accusing Ukraine of provoking Russia and declaring the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, a “dictator,” thus excluding Kyiv from potential peace talks. This sequence of events highlights the complexities in global alliances and perceptions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
