Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin have described their nations’ partnership as a crucial stabilising force amid global turbulence during a video call.
BEIJING: President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their strategic partnership as a key stabilising force in world affairs. The leaders held a video call against a backdrop of deepening ties between Moscow and Beijing.
Xi stated that the international situation has become increasingly turbulent since the start of the year. He called for deeper strategic coordination to ensure the relationship develops steadily.
Putin, addressing Xi as his “dear friend”, echoed this sentiment. He said the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership remains an important stabilising factor and is exemplary.
Neither leader detailed specific areas for enhanced coordination. Putin did, however, praise strong bilateral trade ties.
Moscow has redirected exports to Asia following sweeping Western sanctions over its offensive in Ukraine. China has not condemned Russia’s war, and Western nations believe Beijing has provided Moscow with support.
The call occurred as Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators convened in Abu Dhabi for talks on the nearly four-year conflict. Putin did not mention Ukraine during his discussion with Xi.
The two leaders last met in person in September when Putin attended a military parade in Beijing. Xi visited Moscow in May last year for Russia’s World War II victory commemorations.
Their conversation followed a meeting in Beijing between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russia’s security chief Sergei Shoigu. Wang stated the two nations must uphold multilateralism and advocate for an equal, orderly multipolar world.
Xi also reiterated China’s commitment to the international system with the United Nations at its core. He has emphasised the UN’s role in recent talks with leaders from France, Canada, Britain and Brazil.
This diplomatic activity comes as Beijing positions itself as a stable global alternative. Several Western leaders have visited China recently, including from US allies concerned by Washington’s policies under President Donald Trump.
