MOSCOW, Jan 22 (Alliance News): Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a video call on Tuesday, discussing ways to enhance their bilateral relationship, prospects for a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, and Moscow’s continued support for Beijing’s stance on Taiwan.
The two leaders, who have been building closer ties since their February 2022 declaration of a “no limits” partnership, proposed further deepening their strategic cooperation, despite concerns from the West. This collaboration gained traction when Putin visited Beijing ahead of his invasion of Ukraine.
Xi, 71, and Putin, 72, spoke for an hour and 35 minutes, referring to each other as “dear friends.” During their conversation, Xi shared details of a call with US President Donald Trump, who has expressed a desire for talks to bring an end to the war.
Putin and Xi emphasized their willingness to engage with the new US administration on a “mutually beneficial, mutually respectful” basis, should Trump’s team show interest. However, the Kremlin made it clear that a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine must align with Russia’s interests and that the desired outcome was long-term peace, not a temporary ceasefire.
Regarding Taiwan, Russia reiterated its strong support for China’s position, reaffirming the principle of “one-China,” which views Taiwan as part of Chinese territory. China, in turn, has continued its stance that it would not allow any interference in its claims over Taiwan.
China and Russia, both challenging the West in various global arenas, emphasized their shared vision of a “just, multi-polar world order.”
With energy cooperation and future collaboration on nuclear technologies high on the agenda, their relationship seems poised to grow, especially as the US positions China as its primary global competitor and Russia as a critical national threat.