Xi and Putin praise close ties after Trump takes office

Xi and Putin praise close ties after Trump takes office

From Hong Kong, CNN reports that Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced during a video conference with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday that he wanted to take China-Russia relations to a new level this year. This happened just hours after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.

Annual tradition between Xi and Putin

The two heads of state have made it a tradition to speak every year at the turn of the year. This personal connection has helped cement a partnership between their countries that has only deepened in the wake of Putin's war on Ukraine.

Strengthening bilateral relations

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

Economic cooperation in focus

Putin praised growing trade between the two nations, which hit a record high last year, according to Chinese data. He referred to their shared aspirations to shape a global order that they see as unfairly dominated by the United States. “We stand united to promote a fairer multipolar world order and ensure indivisible security both in the Eurasian region and globally,” Putin said.

Trump and the realignment of US politics

The call between the two autocrats comes against the backdrop of Trump's return to the White House. Both leaders publicly expressed a desire to improve strained relations with the United States under the new administration. Trump has also signaled interest in meeting with both leaders early in his presidency, although it remains unclear how accommodating or confrontational the new regime will be toward U.S. competitors.

Diplomatic triangular relationships?

Trump has expressed personal admiration for both leaders, but he is expected to demand concessions from each to level the economic playing field between the U.S. and China and end Putin's overreach in Ukraine. Trump indicated Tuesday that he would consider additional sanctions against Russia if Putin does not return to the negotiating table.

China's role as peace broker

Xi is also seen as someone who wants to build a good relationship with Trump to avoid potentially damaging tariffs at a time of China's economic weakness. At the same time, however, he may be cautious not to jeopardize his partnership with Russia, as Xi sees Putin as an important partner in broader tensions with the West. Both countries conducted diplomacy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of their shared victory in World War II, which came up during the call on Tuesday.

CNN's coverage of these developments was assisted by Betsy Klein and Fred He.