Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ties with Russia in a recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
According to Digi24, Xi expressed China's readiness to take their relationship to "new heights" and stand with Russia to address global challenges.
China has deepened its relationship with Russia since the start of the Ukraine war, becoming Moscow's main supplier of dual-use goods that support its defense industry.
However, Beijing has consistently denied accusations of directly aiding Russia's military efforts.
Xi stated that China is committed to working with Russia to "face external uncertainties, maintain stability, and ensure the prosperity of both nations, as well as uphold international justice and equality."
Trade Between China and Russia Continues to Grow
During their discussion, Putin highlighted the steady expansion of trade between the two nations, reporting a 7% increase in trade volume, surpassing $220 billion.
He described China as Russia’s "largest trade partner," emphasizing the critical role of energy exports in their relationship.
“China is the biggest consumer of Russian energy resources. We are the number one exporter of oil to China,” Putin noted, adding that Russia has also become the top supplier of natural gas through the Power of Siberia pipeline, which was launched five years ago.
Diplomatic Cooperation and Regional Influence
The call between the two leaders came just after Trump’s return to office, signaling their intent to reinforce strategic cooperation amid shifting global dynamics.
Since the war in Ukraine began, Putin has visited China twice, while Xi traveled to Russia in 2023, where he referred to Putin as his "dear friend."
China has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the Ukraine conflict, with envoy Li Hui engaging in multiple diplomatic efforts across Europe.
However, Beijing has also criticized the U.S. and its allies for escalating the war by supplying arms to Ukraine, while NATO has labeled China as a "key enabler" of Russia’s military actions.
As both countries seek to navigate a complex global landscape, their growing economic and political alignment underscores their shared interests in countering Western influence.
