Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a call discussing the strengthening of their nations’ ties, emphasizing mutual interests and shared goals for global stability. This conversation took place shortly after Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th US president.

A Closer Russia-China Partnership

The relationship between Russia and China has deepened in recent years, particularly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. As Western sanctions mounted against Moscow, China became a crucial partner for Russia, both as a major buyer of Russian oil and gas and as a source of key technologies.

In their conversation, Putin highlighted that Russia-China relations are based on equality, mutual benefits, and shared interests. He added that these relations are unaffected by internal political factors or the broader international environment. Putin also noted the importance of their cooperation in promoting a more balanced, multipolar global order and ensuring security in Eurasia and beyond.

Xi Jinping echoed Putin’s sentiments, praising the collaboration between the two nations as an essential force in reforming and improving the global system.

Possible Coordination with the New US Administration

Although Trump was not directly mentioned during the call, the timing of the conversation suggests that Putin and Xi may be positioning themselves to coordinate their actions in response to the new US administration. The Chinese president had previously reached out to Trump, expressing a desire for positive relations with the United States and sending a representative to Trump’s inauguration.

Following Trump’s swearing-in, China’s foreign ministry reiterated its willingness to strengthen dialogue with the US based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. Trump had previously signaled his intention to address trade issues with China, including potential tariffs and cooperation on regional conflicts and controlling the export of substances linked to the production of fentanyl.

In response, Putin welcomed Trump’s openness to dialogue and voiced hopes for restoring direct communication between the two nations. However, tensions remain, particularly over Russia’s continued occupation of Ukrainian territory.

The Path to Peace in Ukraine

Trump has previously stated his hope for a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Following his inauguration, Trump expressed optimism that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was interested in a peace agreement and hoped Russia would also seek to end the conflict. However, Trump also cautioned that failing to negotiate would lead to Russia’s economic decline.

Putin acknowledged Trump’s desire for dialogue in a statement to Russia’s Security Council. He welcomed Trump’s commitment to preventing World War III and his willingness to engage in talks to restore relations with Russia.

However, any potential peace talks are complicated by Russia’s continued occupation of Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. The prospect of meaningful negotiations hinges on Russia’s willingness to fully withdraw from all occupied areas of Ukraine.