Xi-Putin-Trump Calls: China’s Global Ambitions Revealed

China is signaling a renewed focus on its relationship with Russia, underscored by the order of recent calls between Chinese President Xi Jinping and world leaders. Xi held a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin before speaking with former U.S. President Donald Trump, experts say.

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin Signal Strong Ties

Ren Xiao, a professor at Fudan University’s Institute of International Studies in Shanghai, noted the significance of the call order, stating it reflects “close coordination and communication between Beijing and Moscow.” Experts suggest China is emphasizing the return of great-power politics, with Washington, Beijing, and Moscow again playing dominant roles on the global stage.

Official statements from Beijing, Moscow, and Washington revealed differing priorities. Reports from Chinese state media detailed a virtual meeting between Xi and Putin, broadcast from the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and the Kremlin in Moscow.

According to Xinhua, China’s state news agency, Xi extended New Year greetings to Putin and the Russian people, while Putin wished Xi and the Chinese people a happy Spring Festival. Xi stated that China and Russia should collaborate to maintain global strategic stability amid increasing international turbulence.

Putin reportedly “expressed full confidence in Russia-China relations,” and both leaders affirmed their commitment to supporting each other’s national sovereignty and security. Russian state media described the exchange as warm and friendly, with Putin characterizing the China-Russia relationship as being “in an eternal bloom.”

TASS, Russia’s state news agency, reported that Xi views Putin as a good friend and is eager to advance dialogue between the two nations. Putin described cooperation between the two countries as exemplary, while Xi said China and Russia are “successfully defending global justice and relations are entering a new stage of development.”