Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump, addressing bilateral relations and global issues. Concurrently, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined China's positions on international conflicts, US relations, and multilateralism, emphasizing stability and an "equal and orderly multipolar world." These diplomatic engagements occurred amidst ongoing international discussions regarding conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Bilateral Talks: China-Russia
President Xi Jinping and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a video call on a Wednesday, during which both leaders expressed shared views on strengthening relations. President Xi noted the turbulent international situation and called for deeper strategic coordination to ensure the steady development of China-Russia relations, emphasizing a proactive commitment as major powers.
President Putin referred to Xi as his "dear friend" and stated that the foreign policy alliance between Moscow and Beijing is an important stabilizing factor, describing their comprehensive partnership as exemplary. He also assured firm support for shared efforts to ensure sovereignty, security, socio-economic welfare, and the right to choose development paths.
President Xi also stated the need to "use a historic opportunity to continue deepening strategic cooperation" and work on "a new blueprint for China-Russia relations." President Putin added that "any season is springtime in Russia-China relations."
During the call, President Putin accepted an invitation to visit China twice this year. Discussions also covered economic cooperation, including "strategic" energy ties, nuclear energy, high-tech projects, industrial sectors, and space research. President Putin highlighted China's decision to allow visa-free entry for Russians, a measure Russia reciprocated. Xi mentioned that trade and economic exchanges are progressing steadily and called for close high-level exchanges and pragmatic cooperation.
Ties between Moscow and Beijing have strengthened since Russia's 2022 military actions in Ukraine, with both nations presenting a united front in response to Western influences. Russia has also redirected some of its exports to Asia following Western sanctions. China has not condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine. During the call, President Putin did not mention Ukraine.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has characterized China's relationship with Russia as "unmoved by wind and rain, as stable as a mountain," citing a high level of political mutual trust and resilience against external pressure.
Bilateral Talks: China-United States
On the same day as his call with President Putin, President Xi Jinping also spoke by phone with former US President Donald Trump. Trump confirmed the call, characterizing it as "very positive." Topics of discussion included trade, military issues, Taiwan, Russia's conflict in Ukraine, Iran, airplane engine deliveries, and China's purchases of US oil and gas. Trump noted the importance of his personal relationship with President Xi and the bilateral relationship between the US and China. President 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.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has signaled China's openness to dialogue with the United States, emphasizing the global necessity for the two largest economies to avoid conflict. He stated China's desire for "peaceful coexistence" and "win-win cooperation" with the United States, suggesting that while neither nation can fundamentally alter the other, they can choose their engagement approach based on mutual respect. Wang Yi has welcomed an anticipated summit between President Xi and President Trump in Beijing, stating that leaders have contributed to bilateral relationship stability despite challenges.
Regarding the "G2" concept, which refers to the United States and China as the world's two major powers, China has expressed a cautious public stance.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that global history is a collective endeavor involving over 190 countries. He affirmed that China does not support the idea that major countries should dictate international affairs, nor will it pursue hegemony or expansion, advocating instead for an "equal and orderly multipolar world."
China's Stance on International Conflicts
Foreign Minister Wang Yi presented China as a proponent of peace and stability amidst an ongoing conflict in Iran. He stated that the conflict "should not have happened" and "serves no beneficial purpose," reiterating Beijing's call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent escalation and urging all parties to return to negotiations. Wang Yi urged the US and Israel to respect the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and other Middle Eastern nations, announcing China's intention to send an envoy to the region for mediation. China's strategic alignment with Iran is partly due to significant oil purchases.
On the situation in Gaza, Wang Yi reiterated China's support for a two-state solution for Palestine and welcomed international efforts to achieve a ceasefire. Separately, President Putin had offered to allocate $1 billion from Russian assets frozen in the U.S. to aid Gaza's reconstruction.
Wang Yi also addressed current tensions in China-Japan relations concerning Taiwan. He asserted that "Taiwan never was, is not, and will never be a country," declaring "Taiwan affairs are purely China's internal affairs" and that Japan has no right to intervene.
China's Global Diplomatic Principles
President Xi Jinping has consistently reiterated China's commitment to the international system, with the United Nations at its core. Foreign Minister Wang Yi characterized China as "the world's most important force of peace, stability and justice" and a "source of stability and certainty for a turbulent world." He affirmed China's commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations, stating that attempts to bypass the UN or form exclusive blocs lack support and are unsustainable.
Regarding trade and tariffs, Wang Yi indirectly criticized global trade protectionism, likening it to "locking oneself in a dark room." In contrast, China stated its commitment to opening its own markets and plans to fully remove tariffs on all imports from most African countries from May 1st. Wang Yi also suggested that Europe should regard China as a "global partner" rather than a competitor.
Additional Context and Engagements
The video call between Xi and Putin occurred concurrently with a round of talks in Abu Dhabi involving Russian, Ukrainian, and US negotiators aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. European leaders have urged China to reduce its support for Russia.
Russian Foreign Affairs Advisor Yuri Ushakov reported that the views of Presidents Putin and Xi "practically coincide" on relations with the United States, including their assessment of former US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative. 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.
President Xi and President Putin last met in person in September during a military parade in Beijing and in May for World War II commemoration events in Moscow. Discussions between Putin and Xi also addressed tensions involving Iran and the situations in Venezuela and Cuba, supporting continued cooperation with Caracas and Havana. President 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, which was set to expire.