Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a video call on Tuesday, as reported by Chinese state media CCTV. During the call, the two leaders emphasized the enduring relationship and shared interests between their countries.
President Xi highlighted the importance of deepening strategic coordination between China and Russia in the upcoming year. He expressed the need for continued support and protection of each other's legitimate interests.
The conversation took place following the recent inauguration of US President Donald Trump and a prior call between Xi and the incoming US leader. President Xi also reflected on the successful collaboration between China and Russia in various multilateral platforms throughout the previous year, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS.
President Putin expressed satisfaction with the ongoing economic, trade, and energy cooperation between the two nations, noting the positive momentum in these areas.
Xi and Putin last met in October at the BRICS summit in Russia, where they reaffirmed the enduring friendship and cooperation between China and Russia amidst global developments.
During the recent call, both leaders reiterated the strong foundation of their relationship, emphasizing that it is rooted in the mutual interests of their peoples and remains unaffected by changes in the international landscape.
Xi emphasized that the Sino-Russian relations are characterized by enduring good neighborliness, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation, which continue to thrive with renewed vigor.
The trade tensions between China and the US, along with Western sanctions on Russia, have led to closer economic ties between Beijing and Moscow. The personal rapport between Xi and Putin has also played a significant role in strengthening the bond between the two nations.
