Xi and Putin celebrate close ties after Trump's inauguration

Xi and Putin celebrate close ties after Trump's inauguration

Chinese President Xi Jinping said during a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin that he wants to take China-Russia relations to a new level this year. This statement came just hours after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.

Annual dialogues and close relationships

The two heads of state have made it a tradition to speak to each other around the New Year. These annual discussions underscore the close personal relationship that has helped cement a partnership between their countries. This relationship has particularly intensified during Putin's war against Ukraine.

Stability and cooperation

During the conversation, Xi Jinping expressed willingness to take bilateral relations to "new heights" and respond to "external uncertainties" with the "stability and resilience of China-Russia relations," according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. He also stressed that the two countries should deepen their "strategic coordination" and "practical cooperation" and "firmly support" each other.

Economic cooperation in focus

Putin praised increasing trade between the two countries, which hit a record high last year, according to Chinese data. He also pointed to shared ambitions to reform the global order, which he believes is unfairly dominated by the United States. “We stand united for a fairer multipolar world order and are committed to indivisible security both in the Eurasian region and globally,” Putin said in an interview with Xi.

A look at US politics

The exchange between the two autocrats comes at a time when they are closely following Trump's return to the White House. Both leaders have publicly said they want to reset strained relations with the United States under the new administration.

Potential for diplomatic relations

Trump has expressed his admiration for both leaders during his time in office. But he has also signaled that he might expect concessions from both sides to level the economic playing field between the U.S. and China and end Putin's aggression against Ukraine.

Sanctions considerations

Trump has also indicated that he would consider additional sanctions against Russia if Putin is unwilling to come to the negotiating table to end the war. "We're talking to (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky. We'll also talk to President Putin soon and see how everything develops," Trump reported.

Xi's role as peace broker

It is hoped that Xi's influence can help end the conflict. While European leaders have long hoped for a mediating role from Chicago, Trump's return to the White House could create new opportunities for China. However, Xi must be careful not to jeopardize the partnership with Russia while trying to build a positive relationship with Trump.

Commemoration of the Second World War

Neither the Kremlin's statement nor the Chinese Foreign Ministry specified whether the war in Ukraine was discussed during the conversation between Putin and Xi. Instead, both messages referred to the 80th anniversary of the joint victory of Beijing and Moscow in World War II, which Xi and Putin want to honor together.

This article was co-authored by CNN's Betsy Klein and Fred He.