China's state media reported that President Xi Jinping of China reaffirmed his unwavering partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a recent call on Monday. The call took place amidst Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The leaders engaged in talks while U.S. President Donald Trump has advocated for ending the conflict in Ukraine, potentially straining the Xi-Putin alliance. The conversation seemed to aim at dispelling such concerns, highlighting the steadfast and enduring nature of their partnership, impervious to external influences.
President Xi emphasized, "China-Russia relations have a strong internal driving force and strategic value, unaffected by any third party." He stressed the enduring development strategies and foreign policies of both nations, noting their unshakable bond as "good neighbors that cannot be moved apart."
Regarding Ukraine, Xi expressed support for Russia's efforts to de-escalate the situation and acknowledged China's initiatives like the "friends of peace" group. However, Professor Shi Yinhong of Renmin University cautioned that the Trump-Putin diplomacy might introduce uncertainties to the Sino-Russian alliance.
Xi and Putin have had their second call of the year, discussing ways to enhance ties after Trump's transition in January. The leaders declared a "no limits" partnership just days before Russia's military intervention in Ukraine. Despite Beijing's non-condemnation of Moscow's role in the conflict, strains with Europe and the U.S. have emerged.
Additionally, they discussed preparations for commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, with Xi accepting an invitation from Russia to attend the event.