Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video call, praising the bilateral relationship between the two nations as a vital factor in fostering stability on the global stage amid a volatile international situation.
This conversation took place ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. A Kremlin aide said the discussion lasted about 1 hour and 25 minutes and occurred in a friendly and trusting atmosphere.
China and Russia have sought to demonstrate a united stance increasingly against Western countries, with their ties strengthening since Russia launched its attack on Ukraine and faced severe economic sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.
Moscow has increasingly relied on China for trade and economic support to withstand sanction pressures, while China has never condemned Russia's war or called for troop withdrawals from Ukraine, leading many of Ukraine's allies to believe Beijing indirectly supports Moscow.
Chinese state media CCTV reported that President Xi Jinping told Putin, "Since the beginning of this year, the international situation has become increasingly turbulent." Xi said both sides should steadily develop China–Russia relations on the right path through deeper strategic coordination and take a proactive role as global powers.
Meanwhile, President Putin, referring to Xi Jinping as a dear friend, similarly stated that the foreign policy alliance between Moscow and Beijing remains a key factor in maintaining global stability.
Putin noted that the strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation between Russia and China serve as a model for international relations, although neither side disclosed detailed specifics about which strategic areas their cooperation covers.
The Kremlin revealed that the two leaders exchanged views on the United States, sharing almost identical opinions, and discussed the tense situation in Iran as well as strategic security issues following the near expiration of a major nuclear agreement between Russia and the U.S.
Putin also assured Xi Jinping that Russia will act responsibly after the agreement expires.
During the conversation, Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's commitment to the international system centered on the United Nations, where China holds a permanent seat on the Security Council along with veto power.
This stance comes amid concerns after U.S. President Donald Trump proposed establishing a Peace Committee, viewed by some as an attempt to diminish the UN's global role.
The discussion with Putin occurred just hours before Chinese media reported that Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, although no details were disclosed.
In recent months, China has intensified ties with several world leaders to build diplomatic coalitions amid U.S. policies seen as unpredictable, with leaders from France, Canada, Finland, and traditional allies like Uruguay making successive visits to Beijing.
. Source:channelnewsasia
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