XI and Putin celebrate close relationships after Trump's inauguration

XI and Putin celebrate close relationships after Trump's inauguration

The Chinese President Xi Jinping explained during a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would like to raise the relationships between China and Russia to a new level this year. This statement took place only hours after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.

annual dialogues and close relationships

The two heads of state have made a tradition of talking to each other around the new year. These annual talks underline the close personal relationship, which has contributed to consolidating a partnership between their countries. This relationship has further intensified while Putin's war against Ukraine.

stability and cooperation

XI Jinping stated that the bilateral relations with "new heights" and to "external uncertainties" with the "stability and resilience of the China Russia relationships" to react, as can be seen from a statement by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also emphasized that the two countries should deepen their "strategic coordination" and "practical cooperation" and "support" each other.

economic cooperation in focus

Putin praised the increasing trade between the two countries, which according to Chinese data reached a record high last year. He also referred to the common ambitions to reform the global order, which in his opinion is dominated unjust by the United States. "We stand up for a fairer multipolar world order and are committed to indivisible security both in the Eurasian area and globally," said Putin in an interview with XI.

A look at US politics

The exchange between the two autocrats takes place in a phase in which they tread the return of Trump's return to the White House carefully. Both heads of state have publicly expressed that they want to redesign the tense relationships with the United States under the new government.

potential for diplomatic relationships

Trump expressed his admiration for both heads of state during his term. However, he also signaled that he could expect concessions to create a balanced economic field between the USA and China and end Putin's aggression against Ukraine.

considerations of sanctions

Trump also indicated that he would consider additional sanctions against Russia if Putin was not willing to take a seat at the negotiating table to end the war. "We are talking to (the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr) Selenskyj. We will soon talk to President Putin and see how everything develops," reported Trump.

Xi's role as a peace broker

It is hoped that XI can help end the conflict through its influence. While European leaders have long hoped for a mediating role of Chicago, Trump's return to the White House could create new opportunities for China. However, XI has to make sure not to endanger the partnership with Russia while trying to build a positive relationship with Trump.

commemoration of the Second World War

Neither the notification of the Kremlin nor the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs specified whether the war in Ukraine was discussed during the conversation between Putin and XI. Instead, both messages refer to the 80th anniversary of the joint victory of Beijing and Moscow in World War II that XI and Putin want to appreciate together.

This article was also summarized by CNN’s Betsy Klein and Fred He.