Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a video call on Tuesday, January 21, proposing the further development of their strategic partnership. This conversation took place mere hours after Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking a pivotal moment in the global political landscape.
The dialogue between Putin and Xi is the latest chapter in the evolving relationship between the two nations, which declared a “no limits” partnership in February 2022. This announcement came just before Russia’s controversial military incursion into Ukraine, a move that has since reshaped global alliances and strained international relations.
Speaking from his Novo-Ogarevo residence near Moscow, Putin addressed Xi as his “dear friend” and emphasized the need to outline “new plans for the development of the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.” He highlighted the mutual interests and shared perspectives that underpin the Moscow-Beijing relationship, noting that their ties are “self-sufficient, independent of domestic political factors and the current global situation.”
Xi reciprocated the sentiment, calling Putin his “dear friend” and expressing optimism about the future of Sino-Russian relations. He stated that the ties between their nations were growing stronger and anticipated new heights in their bilateral cooperation.
The timing of this dialogue coincides with a significant shift in US foreign policy as Donald Trump assumes the presidency. Trump’s administration has signaled a tough stance on China, aiming to counter its growing economic and military influence. Additionally, Trump has indicated a desire to engage with Putin to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, suggesting that the war is detrimental to Russia.
Trump’s rhetoric underscores the United States’ strategic positioning against both China and Russia, which it views as principal competitors in the global arena. This context has pushed Beijing and Moscow closer, as both nations seek to counterbalance US dominance and foster a multipolar world order.
Putin and Xi’s conversation reflected a shared vision for global governance, which challenges the current Western-centric world order. Putin articulated their joint efforts to build a “more just multi-polar world order” and to ensure “indivisible security in the Eurasian space and in the world as a whole.” This vision positions Russia and China as stabilizing forces in international affairs, countering what they perceive as the decline of Western influence.
The two leaders also discussed the importance of their countries’ foreign policy collaboration, which they believe plays a crucial stabilizing role on the global stage. This partnership has become increasingly significant as both nations face mounting pressures from the United States and its allies.
Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the Sino-Russian relationship. Putin highlighted that China has become Russia’s main trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching a record US$245 billion in 2024, according to Chinese statistics. He emphasized that Russia is China’s fifth-largest trading partner, underscoring the growing economic interdependence between the two nations.
Energy cooperation is a critical aspect of their economic ties, with China being the largest consumer of Russian energy and the primary market for Russian oil exports. Putin noted ongoing collaborative efforts in the energy sector, particularly in the development of fast neutron reactors and the reprocessing of nuclear fuel. These initiatives are designed to enhance energy security and deepen technological cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.
The strengthening of the Russia-China partnership has significant implications for global geopolitics. The alignment of these two major powers presents a challenge to the US-led international order, particularly as they work to expand their influence across various domains, including military, economic, and technological sectors.
The US has long viewed China as its principal strategic competitor and Russia as a major nation-state threat. Former President Joe Biden characterized the geopolitical rivalry as a struggle between democracies and autocracies, with China and Russia representing the latter. This framing has shaped US foreign policy, which seeks to contain the influence of both nations.
The deepening cooperation between Moscow and Beijing signals a concerted effort to counter US influence and promote an alternative global order. This partnership, built on mutual interests and shared strategic objectives, is likely to continue influencing international dynamics, particularly in regions where both nations have vested interests.
