Xi and Putin Deepen Ties Amid Global Diplomatic Engagements
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video call on Wednesday, focusing on the expansion of bilateral ties, economic cooperation, and their respective relationships with the United States. During the call, President Putin accepted an invitation to visit China twice this year. This discussion took place concurrently with other significant diplomatic engagements, including a separate call between President Xi and former U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as ongoing talks in Abu Dhabi concerning the conflict in Ukraine.
Bilateral Engagement and Strategic Cooperation
During their video call, both leaders expressed a shared commitment to strengthening relations and deepening strategic coordination. President Xi stated that in light of the international situation, both sides should enhance strategic coordination to ensure the steady development of China-Russia relations, emphasizing a proactive and effective commitment from both nations.
President Putin referred to Xi as his "dear friend" and affirmed that the foreign policy alliance between Moscow and Beijing remains an important factor for stability, describing their comprehensive partnership as exemplary.
"Any season is springtime in Russia-China relations."
— President Vladimir Putin
President Putin also stated his assurance of "firm support for our shared efforts to ensure the sovereignty and security of our countries, our socio-economic welfare and the right to choose our own development path." President Xi noted the need to "use a historic opportunity to continue deepening strategic cooperation" and work on "a new blueprint for China-Russia relations."
Economic and Diplomatic Ties
The leaders discussed expanding cooperation across various sectors. Putin highlighted "strategic" energy ties and collaboration in nuclear energy, high-tech projects, industrial sectors, and space research. Xi noted that trade and economic exchanges between the two countries are progressing steadily and called for close high-level exchanges and pragmatic cooperation.
Putin praised China's decision to allow visa-free entry for Russians, a measure Russia has reciprocated. The call follows previous agreements by top officials from both countries to explore new areas in their relationship this year, aiming to boost economic cooperation.
Geopolitical Context and US Relations
Ties between Moscow and Beijing have strengthened significantly since Russia's 2022 offensive in Ukraine. Both nations have maintained an aligned stance on various international issues. Russia has also redirected its exports to Asian markets following Western sanctions. China has notably not condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine.
European leaders have urged China to reduce its support for Russia, as Beijing has become Moscow's primary trading partner, offering economic relief. The call between Xi and Putin occurred as Russian, Ukrainian, and U.S. negotiators engaged in talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at ending the conflict, though Putin did not mention Ukraine during his discussion with Xi.
The two leaders also addressed their countries' relations with the United States. Putin's foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov reported that their views "practically coincide," including their assessment of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative.
Moscow and Beijing "support each other on key issues concerning national interests in the face of external challenges" and advocate for equal, mutually beneficial cooperation based on international law and the United Nations Charter.
— Yuri Ushakov, Putin's Foreign Affairs Adviser
Ushakov emphasized that Moscow and Beijing "support each other on key issues concerning national interests in the face of external challenges" and advocate for equal, mutually beneficial cooperation based on international law and the United Nations Charter. Putin had previously thanked Trump for the Board of Peace initiative invitation and offered to allocate $1 billion from Russian assets frozen in the U.S. to aid Gaza's reconstruction. Putin also noted that Washington had not responded to his proposal for a one-year extension of the U.S.-Russian New START nuclear arms treaty.
Other International Matters and Diplomatic Engagements
On the same day as his call with Putin, Chinese state media reported that President Xi also spoke with former U.S. President Donald Trump by phone. Trump confirmed the call, characterizing it as "very positive," and stated they discussed topics including trade, military issues, Taiwan, Russia's conflict in Ukraine, Iran, airplane engine deliveries, and China's purchases of U.S. oil and gas. Xi conveyed that bilateral issues could be resolved with mutual respect and continuous trust-building. The Kremlin was aware of the Xi-Trump communication in advance.
During their call, Xi and Putin also discussed tensions involving Iran and the situations in Venezuela and Cuba, supporting continued cooperation with Caracas and Havana.
President Xi has consistently reiterated his commitment to the international system, with the United Nations at its core. This stance has been conveyed in recent talks with leaders from France, Canada, Britain, and Brazil, and was reiterated by China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.
Recent and Future Interactions
Xi and Putin last met in person in September during a military parade in Beijing, and Xi visited Moscow in May for World War II commemoration events. Recently, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russia's security chief Sergei Shoigu in Beijing, where they discussed upholding multilateralism and advocating for an equal and orderly multipolar world. President Putin's acceptance of an invitation to visit China twice this year signals further high-level interactions.