Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video meeting on Tuesday, according to Chinese state media, with the aim of fortifying alliances between Beijing and Moscow.
China has constantly asserted itself in a neutral position since Russia’s full-scale confrontation with Ukraine in February 2022. However, its close political and economic relations with Russia, associated with its denial to condemn the war, have provoked some NATO members to tag China as an “enabler” of the conflict.
The relationship between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been a nucleus of this partnership. Xi has acknowledged Putin as his “best friend,” while Putin has described Xi as a “reliable partner.”
Xi has reaffirmed China’s commitment to bolster its partnership with Russia. “China is ready to join Putin to consistently expand all-round pragmatic cooperation between the two countries,” Xi stated, highlighting the significance of “permanent neighbourly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
This reflects the increasing closeness between China and Russia, specifically since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. Facing heavy economic restrictions from the West, Russia has turned to China to strengthen trade and support.
The two countries have constantly condemned “Western hegemony,” majorly US dominance in global affairs, and announced a “no limits” partnership just weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The video meeting follows President Donald Trump assuming office. Putin, in an address, extended his congratulations to Trump and signalled openness to deliberation on the Ukraine crisis.
“The goal should not be a brief ceasefire but a lasting peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people,” Putin said, indicating potential shifts in international diplomacy under the new US presidency.
