MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a pivotal video call on January 21, just after Donald Trump’s inauguration, discussing a range of issues including their growing strategic partnership, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and their firm stance on Taiwan.
In their nearly 100-minute conversation, the two leaders emphasized their commitment to deepening the ties between Russia and China, which have increasingly concerned the West. Having declared a “no limits” partnership in 2022, the duo now presents a united front, with Putin describing China as an “ally” in recent months.
During the call, Xi updated Putin about his earlier conversation with President Trump, where discussions centered on the TikTok ban, trade, and Taiwan. Both leaders indicated a willingness to build a constructive relationship with the United States, provided the Trump administration shows genuine interest in mutual respect and cooperation, according to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov.
Putin also reiterated that Russia seeks a long-term peace deal in Ukraine, but any resolution must align with Moscow’s interests. The conversation took place amidst increasing tensions over the war, with Xi advocating for peace talks while accusing the U.S. of exacerbating the conflict by supplying weapons to Kyiv.
On Taiwan, Russia reaffirmed its unwavering support for China’s stance on the island, which Beijing considers an inseparable part of its territory. Xi’s New Year’s address had already underscored China’s determination to achieve “reunification,” drawing a sharp warning to forces within Taiwan that seek independence.
The call reflected the growing geopolitical alignment between Russia and China, both of whom seek to challenge U.S. global supremacy. Cooperation between the two nations continues to strengthen, with China emerging as Russia’s largest energy consumer and key partner in nuclear technology initiatives.