China’s leader stated that his country and Russia are “true friends who have been through thick and thin together” following a video call with President Vladimir V. Putin. This exchange reflects a mutual affirmation of allegiance between Beijing and Moscow amid the Trump administration's outreach to the Kremlin.
The remarks attributed to Xi Jinping in Chinese state media aimed to counter speculation that the Trump administration's rapprochement with Russia could create a rift between China and Russia. The call coincided with the anniversary of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, during which China has supported Russia economically and militarily.
Prior to the invasion, Xi and Putin had established a “no limits” partnership. Since then, China has bolstered Russia’s military efforts through oil purchases and the export of dual-use technologies. Both leaders share an ideological opposition to the West, blaming the United States for hindering their global ambitions and advocating for a restructured global order that diminishes U.S. influence.
Xi emphasized that the relationship between China and Russia is unaffected by “any third party,” implicitly referencing the United States, and asserted that their foreign policies are designed for the long term. The Kremlin echoed this sentiment, describing the conversation as “warm and friendly” and asserting that the Russian-Chinese foreign policy link is a crucial stabilizing factor in global affairs.
This call marked the second conversation between Xi and Putin in just over a month, following Trump’s recent phone call with Putin, where he appeared to side with Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. Trump’s comments have led to speculation that the U.S. aims to create a divide between Russia and China, which many officials view as a more significant threat to U.S. interests.
Some incoming Trump administration officials have suggested reducing American troop levels in Europe to focus military efforts on China. Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine indicated that the administration hopes to compel Putin to weaken ties with North Korea, Iran, and China.
Analysts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of driving a wedge between China and Russia, noting that their current relationship is strong and strategically aligned. Experts argue that both nations recognize their mutual need for cooperation despite differing views on certain issues.
Questions remain regarding how much China was aware of Russia’s plans prior to the invasion. A Western intelligence report suggested that senior Chinese officials advised against an invasion before the Winter Olympics, but it did not confirm direct discussions between Xi and Putin about the invasion.
China has denied prior knowledge of the invasion, and the Chinese ambassador to the U.S. dismissed claims of Chinese complicity as disinformation. Xi is expected to visit Moscow in May for World War II commemorations, with Putin also inviting Trump.
The recent call comes as the Kremlin seeks to maintain support from partner nations while also warming relations with the United States. The Kremlin spokesperson noted that Putin informed Xi about recent Russian-American contacts, and China expressed support for dialogue aimed at resolving the Ukrainian conflict.
Xi expressed satisfaction that Russia has begun negotiations with other parties to address the “Ukrainian crisis,” although China has yet to officially label Russia’s actions as a “war.”