Putin, Xi vow to ‘deepen’ alliance hours after Trump re-enters the White House
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently held a video call where they pledged to “deepen strategic coordination” between their countries. This comes less than a day after President Donald Trump re-entered the White House. The two leaders referred to each other as “friends” and vowed to support each other’s strategic interests, regardless of the current global situation.
During the call, Xi expressed his readiness to elevate Chinese-Russian relations to a new level and to counter external uncertainties by preserving stability and resilience in their relationship. The leaders also discussed their support for the U.N.-centered international system and their commitment to defending the post-World War II global order.
Xi informed Putin about a recent call he had with Trump regarding issues such as TikTok, trade, and Taiwan. Both leaders indicated a willingness to build relations with the United States on a mutually beneficial and respectful basis, depending on the interest shown by the Trump administration.
While the call did not directly mention Ukraine, it highlighted the strong economic ties between China and Russia. Beijing is the largest consumer of Russian energy resources, making it a significant supporter of Moscow’s economy. The leaders also discussed the Power of Siberia gas pipeline, which has made Russia the leading supplier of natural gas to China.
Regarding Taiwan, Russia expressed firm support for Taiwan as an integral part of China’s territory and opposed any form of “Taiwan independence.” Putin praised the past year as a successful one for their foreign policy ties, emphasizing the stabilizing role their joint efforts play in international affairs.
Overall, the call between Xi and Putin underscores the close relationship between China and Russia and their commitment to strengthening cooperation in various areas. The leaders’ discussions on key issues demonstrate their shared interests and strategic alignment, highlighting the importance of their bilateral partnership in the global landscape.
