Xi and Putin hold video call after Trump's inauguration

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video call hours after Donald Trump was sworn into office, with both sides expressing their intention to elevate bilateral relations to a "higher level." Both countries' official media reported on this, emphasizing the positive willingness for cooperation between the two sides.

Putin called Xi Jinping a "dear friend" and stated that despite external pressure, Russia and China are building relations "based on friendship, mutual trust, and support." He highlighted the solid foundation of cooperation and the willingness for mutual support between the two countries. Xi Jinping called on Putin to "continue to deepen strategic coordination, consolidate mutual support, and safeguard each other's legitimate interests," indicating a high degree of consensus between the two sides at the strategic level.

Meanwhile, Trump threatened on Tuesday to impose tariffs on Beijing, calling it an "abuser," and warned that Moscow would face "big trouble" if it did not reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine. Putin told Xi Jinping that any resolution to the Ukraine issue "must respect Russia's interests," which was revealed to reporters by Russian foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov after the call.

Despite Western accusations that Beijing is supporting Russia's war machine by providing key components for the conflict in Ukraine, bilateral trade reached a record $240 billion in 2023, an increase of more than 64% compared to 2021 (before Russia's invasion of Ukraine). Ushakov stated that "Putin and Xi Jinping confirmed that they are willing to establish relations with the United States on the basis of mutual benefit and mutual respect if the Trump team shows interest." However, he also emphasized that the call was "not related to Trump's inauguration in any way."

According to Ushakov, the call lasted about an hour and a half, during which Putin and Xi Jinping also discussed the situations in the Middle East, South Korea, and Taiwan. Chinese official media reported that Xi Jinping also expressed his willingness to cooperate with Putin to deal with "external uncertainties," but did not mention specific details. Additionally, Xi Jinping had a phone call with Trump last week, with the U.S. President calling the discussion "very good" for both countries, and they discussed issues such as trade, fentanyl, and TikTok. Putin has not yet spoken with Trump, but congratulated him on national television hours before the inauguration.