China’s leader has reaffirmed his country’s strong ties with Russia in a video call with President Vladimir Putin, amid growing tensions between Washington and Moscow. The move comes as US President Donald Trump seeks to establish closer relations with Russia.
Xi Jinping described China and Russia as “true friends who have been through thick and thin together” during the call, which was held on Monday. The Chinese leader also stated that his country’s foreign policy is not influenced by any third party, in a clear rebuff to the US.
The video call follows a recent phone call between Trump and Putin, in which Trump expressed support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This has sparked speculation that the US is trying to drive a wedge between China and Russia.
However, analysts say that Beijing and Moscow are unlikely to be driven apart by the US. Sergey Radchenko, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, stated that “they don’t see eye to eye on everything, but I think they both realize they need each other.”
The two countries have been strengthening their ties in recent years, with China providing economic support to Russia and promoting a reshapement of the global order. Xi Jinping is set to visit Moscow in May to attend commemorations of World War II.
The call highlights the growing alignment between China and Russia on key issues, including opposition to Western dominance. Both countries have expressed skepticism about US efforts to contain their rising influence.
In a statement, the Kremlin said that the relationship between China and Russia was “the most important stabilizing factor in world affairs,” and that it was not subject to external influence.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/24/world/asia/xi-putin-call-russia-china-trump.html