China’s Xi Reaffirms Strong Ties with Russia in Call with Putin Amid U.S. Diplomatic Shift

China and Russia’s Unshakable Partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping reinforced his country’s close ties with Russia in a phone call with Vladimir Putin on Monday, emphasizing that their relationship remains strong despite evolving global dynamics.

“History and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away and true friends who share weal and woe,” Xi told Putin, according to China’s state news agency, Xinhua.

The call came on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and amid a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, with President Donald Trump moving toward closer engagement with Moscow in efforts to broker peace.

Beijing Sends a Clear Message to Washington

Xi made it clear that China’s foreign policy strategy remains independent and will not be influenced by external forces.

“The development strategies and foreign policies of China and Russia are for the long-term,” Xi said, adding that their relationship is not subject to influence from any third party.

The Kremlin described the call as “warm and friendly” and emphasized that Russian-Chinese relations serve as a key stabilizing factor in global affairs.

“The Russian-Chinese foreign policy link is strategic in nature, is not subject to external influence, and is not directed against anyone,” the Kremlin stated.

Trump’s Diplomatic Shift and Its Impact on China-Russia Relations

The closely watched call between Xi and Putin came as Washington’s approach to Russia underwent a dramatic transformation.

• Trump’s administration has engaged in high-level talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, reportedly considering concessions to Moscow in a bid to end the war in Ukraine.
• U.S. officials have suggested new possibilities for economic and geopolitical cooperation with Russia, potentially affecting Moscow’s alliances with China, Iran, and North Korea.
• Putin disclosed on Russian state television that Trump had floated an idea for joint defense budget cuts between the U.S., Russia, and potentially China.

These developments have sparked concern in Beijing, raising questions about whether Washington could drive a wedge between Russia and China.

China’s Role in the Ukraine Conflict

Though China officially maintains neutrality in the war, it has become a key diplomatic and economic backer of Russia.

• NATO has accused China of supplying Russia with dual-use goods that bolster Moscow’s defense industry, though Beijing defends its trade as “normal.”
• China has voiced support for peace talks but insists that any resolution must involve all stakeholders.

Following their call, both Xi and Putin acknowledged U.S.-Russia dialogue, with China signaling support for negotiations aimed at ending the war.

“China is pleased to see Russia and other parties making positive efforts to resolve the crisis,” Xi stated.

Meanwhile, Russia’s readout of the call confirmed China’s willingness to assist in peace efforts, aligning with recent diplomatic statements from Beijing at international forums.

A Shifting Global Landscape

With Russia’s war in Ukraine continuing into its third year—claiming tens of thousands of lives and displacing millions—China and Russia remain deeply aligned.

However, recent U.S. actions indicate a potential realignment of global power dynamics, as Washington signals new diplomatic flexibility toward Moscow.

Despite these shifts, Xi and Putin’s latest exchange reaffirms that China and Russia’s strategic partnership remains strong, underscoring their shared vision in countering Western influence on the global stage.

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