Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had a video call time after Donald Trump was sworn in on Monday, pledging to bring diplomatic relations to “greater levels”, according to state advertising on both sides.
Calling Xi a “dear friend”, Putin said Russia and China were building relationships “on the foundation of compassion, mutual trust and support” despite physical stress.
Xi called on Putin to” remain deepening proper coordination, firming up joint aid, and safeguarding genuine interests”.
Trump on Tuesday threatened tariffs on Beijing, calling it “an abuser”, and warned that “big trouble” will come for Moscow if it does not strike a deal to end war in Ukraine.
Putin told Xi, however, that any Ukraine arrangement “must value Russian pursuits”, according to international politics adviser Yuri Ushakov who spoke to reporters after the phone.
Beijing has been accused of building up Moscow’s war machine by providing it with critical components for the conflict in Ukraine.
Trade between both countries reached a record$ 240bn ( £191bn ) in 2023, up more than 64 % since 2021- before Russia invaded Ukraine.
” Putin and Xi confirmed eagerness to establish relations with the US on a mutually helpful and respectful schedule, if the Trump group shows an attention”, Ushakov said.
He also said, however, that the phone was” not connected with Trump’s inauguration in any way”.
The visit lasted about one-and-a-half days, during which Putin and Xi even discussed the conditions in the Middle East, South Korea and Taiwan, according to Ushakov.
Foreign state media said Xi even expressed readiness to work with Putin in response to “external risks”, without mentioning details.
Xi held a telephone contact with Trump last year, which the US senator described as a “very great” conversation for both countries. They spoke about trade, fentanyl and TikTok, among other things, he said.
Putin has yet to speak with Trump, but congratulated him on state television hours before the inauguration.