In brief
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their close ties during a recent video call, emphasizing their long-standing relationship amidst shifting international dynamics, particularly in relation to the Trump administration's recent overtures towards Russia.
Since the call, reported Chinese state media, Xi described China and Russia as "true friends" who have endured challenges together, underscoring that their relationship remains stable regardless of third-party influences, implicitly referencing the United States. He stressed that their foreign policies are aligned and geared towards long-term collaboration.Similarly, the Kremlin echoed Xi's sentiments, labeling the conversation "warm and friendly" and asserting that the link between Russian and Chinese foreign policy serves as a crucial stabilizing factor in global matters. This communication comes on the heels of Trump's controversial comments regarding the Ukraine conflict, including his characterization of Ukraine as the aggressor and his exclusion of President Zelensky from peace talks. This is the second dialogue between Xi and Putin in a month, coming soon after Trump's vocal support of Putin and recognition of Russia's position in the ongoing war, raising questions about the potential reevaluation of global alliances.
