Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for the ongoing dialogue between the United States and Russia during a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This conversation, initiated at Putin’s request, focused on the need for political resolutions regarding the Ukraine crisis, which has now entered its fourth year.
According to CCTV, the state broadcaster in China, Xi emphasized Beijing’s stance on pursuing peace talks and diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict. The call comes amid increasing contacts between Washington and Moscow, particularly following the Kremlin’s announcement that Putin is set to meet with US President Donald Trump in the near future to discuss efforts aimed at concluding the war.
The recent shift in the US administration’s approach under Trump has included a more conciliatory tone towards Russia, following his return to the White House in January. Despite this, Trump has voiced frustration over the lack of tangible progress towards peace, even threatening to impose heavy tariffs on nations, including China, that engage in energy dealings with Russia.
In response to Trump’s remarks regarding potential tariffs, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, defended China’s engagement with Russia, calling the trade and energy cooperation “just and legitimate.” Guo stated, “We will continue to take reasonable measures to ensure energy security based on our own national interests.”
Strengthening Ties Between China and Russia
The call between Xi and Putin marks their second engagement within less than two months, highlighting a strengthening relationship between China and Russia since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. This partnership has led to enhanced economic, trade, and security cooperation, particularly following the significant deterioration of Russia’s relations with Western countries.
Looking ahead, Putin is anticipated to visit China in September 2024 for events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This visit is expected to further solidify the ties between the two nations as they navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape.
As the situation develops, the global community will be closely monitoring the implications of these discussions and the potential for a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The interaction between Xi and Putin serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics at play in international relations, particularly concerning energy security and diplomatic efforts.
