Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to elevate China-Russia relations to new heights in a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. The call, conducted just hours after Donald Trump was inaugurated as U.S. President, highlighted the deepening alliance between the two nations amid global uncertainties.

Reinforcing a Strategic Partnership

Xi expressed China’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Russia, emphasizing the importance of “strategic coordination” and “practical cooperation.” He stressed the resilience and stability of their ties as a counterbalance to external challenges, according to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry.

Putin, appearing via video link on a large screen in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, echoed Xi’s sentiments. He lauded the record-breaking trade between the two nations and reiterated their shared vision for a “more just multipolar world order.” Putin also emphasized their joint role in promoting global stability.

“We stand united in advocating for a more just multipolar world order and work to ensure indivisible security both in the Eurasian space and globally,” Putin said, as per the Kremlin readout.

Timing of the Call and the U.S. Factor

The timing of the call drew attention, coinciding with the inauguration of Trump. Both Xi and Putin are closely watching the new U.S. administration, which has signaled openness to engaging with both leaders. Trump has also hinted at early meetings with Xi and Putin, though the tone of his policies toward China and Russia remains uncertain.

Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov clarified that the call’s timing was unrelated to Trump’s inauguration, despite both leaders discussing their respective relationships with the U.S. during the conversation.

“Issues of the two countries’ relations with the United States were also raised,” Ushakov said, adding that potential U.S. engagements were touched upon.

Trump’s Stance on Russia and China

Trump has expressed personal admiration for both Xi and Putin but is expected to approach them with calculated demands. On Tuesday, Trump indicated potential new sanctions against Russia if Putin fails to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

The U.S. President also urged Xi during their recent call to leverage his influence to help broker peace in Ukraine. Trump’s push aligns with European hopes that China could sway Putin toward accepting Ukraine’s peace terms.

Beijing’s Balancing Act

Xi faces a diplomatic balancing act. While positioning China as a potential peace broker in Ukraine, Beijing denies allegations from the U.S. and its allies that it is supporting Russia’s war effort through the export of dual-use goods. At the same time, Xi aims to maintain strong ties with Moscow, cemented by the “no limits” partnership signed shortly before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Moreover, Xi seeks to avoid tensions with Trump that could lead to damaging economic repercussions, especially during a period of economic weakness in China.

Symbolic Cooperation Amidst Global Tensions

Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Kremlin and China’s Foreign Ministry chose to emphasize historical ties. The two leaders discussed plans to jointly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II, with events scheduled in Russia in May and China in September.

This call between Xi and Putin underlines the evolving geopolitical dynamics as China and Russia present a united front against perceived Western hegemony. At the same time, Trump’s administration adds a new variable that could influence the delicate global balance of power.

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