Xi and Putin reaffirm ties as Trump returns to White House
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Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the close ties between their countries a day after Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US president.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend an official welcome ceremony in Beijing, China, on May 16, 2024. (Sputnik/ Kremlin Pool Photo)
Russian President Vladimir Putin conducted a video conference with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to address different matters, stating the comprehensive strengthening of relations between Russia and China meets the objectives of their development.
The two presidents discussed matters related to Eurasian security and strengthened bilateral ties, adding that Russia and China are actively collaborating to enhance security across the Eurasian region.
During the call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin said, "We are working in the interests of ensuring indivisible security in the Eurasian space and the world as a whole," adding that Moscow has also become Beijing's principal gas supplier.
"Five years ago, together with you, we launched the Power of Siberia gas pipeline. Today, Russia has become the number one supplier of natural gas to China," Putin said.
He added that Moscow and Beijing build relations based on friendship and mutual trust.
"I agree with you that cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is based on a broad commonality of national interests and a convergence of views on what relations between major powers should be like. We build our ties based on friendship, mutual trust and support, equality and mutual benefit," Putin stressed to Xi.
During the discussion, Putin proposed reviewing the past year's achievements and setting new goals to advance their relations.
"Successful joint projects are being implemented in industry, transport, agriculture, and other areas," Putin said, adding that the bilateral ties do not depend on the political situation.
Xi briefs Putin on conversation with Trump
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov revealed on Tuesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping informed Russian President Vladimir Putin about his phone call with Donald Trump.
Ushakov told reporters that "President Xi Jinping gave an outline of the contents of his January 17 phone call with President Trump."
Putin and Xi shared perspectives on the possible development of relations with the US administration, the official emphasized, adding that the talks were unrelated to Trump's inauguration.
The official said, "The topic of relations between both countries and the US was touched upon and, I mentioned, President Xi Jinping even shared his assessments of his telephone conversation with President Trump."
Talks on the Asia-Pacific region
Putin and Xi discussed the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as Taiwan, the Kremlin aide added.
"Among the regional topics, the leaders dealt with the situation in the Asia-Pacific region… I would like to emphasize that on the Taiwan issue, our country has confirmed its unwavering position of support for the 'one China' principle", Ushakov told reporters.
The two presidents also discussed the situation in Ukraine and their countries' relations with the United States, considering the inauguration of the new US leader, Donald Trump.
"Naturally, the situation around Ukraine and the relations of our two countries with the United States were discussed, taking into account the Trump administration coming to power in Washington," Ushakov told reporters.
