Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video call hours after President Donald Trump took office on Monday, pledging to take bilateral relations to “greater heights,” according to both countries’ state media. .
Putin called Xi a “dear friend” and said that despite external pressure, Russia and China built relations “based on friendship, mutual trust and support.”
Mr. Xi called on President Putin to “continue to deepen strategic cooperation, strengthen mutual support, and protect legitimate interests.”
President Trump on Tuesday threatened tariffs on China, calling the country an “abuser” and warning Russia of “big trouble” if it doesn’t reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine.
But Putin told Xi that any rapprochement in Ukraine “must respect Russia’s interests,” according to diplomatic adviser Yuri Ushakov, who spoke to reporters after the phone call.
The Chinese government is accused of providing the Russian government with key components to the Ukraine conflict and strengthening Russia’s military war machine.
Trade between the two countries hit a record $240bn (£191bn) in 2023, an increase of more than 64% on 2021, the year before Russia invaded Ukraine.
“President Putin and President Xi confirmed their readiness to build relations with the United States with mutual benefit and respect, if the Trump team shows interest,” Ushakov said.
However, he added that the phone conversation had “nothing to do with President Trump’s inauguration.”
Ushakov said the phone conversation lasted about an hour and a half, during which Putin and Xi also discussed the situation in the Middle East, South Korea and Taiwan.
Chinese state media said Xi also said he was ready to work with Putin in response to “external uncertainties” but did not elaborate.
President Xi spoke by phone with President Trump last week, and the US president called the talks “very good” for both countries. They reportedly talked about trade, fentanyl, TikTok and more.
Putin has not yet met Trump, but he congratulated him on state television hours before the inauguration.
