Xi and Putin vow to deepen ties as Trump’s return sparks anxiety

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to boost cooperation between Moscow and Beijing one day after Donald Trump returned as U.S. president.

The two leaders held a call Tuesday to discuss “new plans for the development of the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation,” according to a transcript of their conversation published on the Kremlin’s website.

Addressing Putin as his “dear friend,” Xi said China and Russia should jointly support the U.N.-centered international system and defend the post-World War II global order.

“This year, I am ready, together with you, to elevate Chinese-Russian relations to a new level, to counter external uncertainties by preserving stability and resilience of Chinese-Russian relations, for the development and prosperity of both countries and for justice and equality in the world,” Xi told Putin.

The Russian president also referred to Xi as “dear friend” and emphasized the depth and breadth of Russia-China relations. “These ties are self-sufficient, as they do not depend on any domestic political factors or the current global situation,” he said.

China’s support for Moscow has grown since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Shortly before Moscow’s assault began, Putin and Xi signed a statement proclaiming that there were “no limits” to Sino-Russian cooperation.

Trump has previously said that he would adopt a tough stance on China, threatening to use tariffs in the trade sphere, and wants to talk with the Russian president to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. On his inauguration day Monday, Trump took a stab at Putin, accusing him of “destroying Russia” by waging war in Ukraine.

POLITICO