Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video meeting on Tuesday, according to Chinese state media, aimed at deepening ties between Beijing and Moscow.
The discussion, held in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, was reported by state broadcaster CCTV, but lacked immediate details on the agenda or outcomes.
China has consistently positioned itself as an impartial party since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, its close political and economic ties to Moscow, along with its refusal to condemn the war, have led to some NATO members to label Beijing as a “facilitator” of the conflict.
The relationship between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been a focal point of this partnership. Xi has referred to Putin as his “best friend,” while Putin has described Xi as a “trusted partner.”
Xi has repeatedly reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Russia. “China is ready to join hands with Putin to steadily expand comprehensive pragmatic cooperation between our two countries,” Xi had said, emphasizing the importance of “permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
The talks reflect the growing alignment between China and Russia, particularly since the start of the ukraine conflict in 2022. Faced with heavy economic sanctions from the West, Moscow has turned to Beijing to bolster trade and support.
The two nations have repeatedly criticized what they describe as “Western hegemony,” particularly American dominance in global affairs, and declared a “boundless” partnership just weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The video meeting comes after President Donald Trump took office. Putin, in a televised speech, congratulated Trump and signaled his openness to dialogue on the Ukraine crisis. “The goal should not be a short truce but a lasting peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all peoples,” Putin said, hinting at possible changes in international diplomacy under the new US administration.
