Putin Holds Video Call with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a video conference to discuss ways to strengthen their bilateral ties and address global issues.

The call came as Western countries are exploring opportunities with China amid tensions with the United States. In recent months, British and Canadian prime ministers visited Beijing, while Germany’s chancellor is expected to visit this month. The Kremlin released a transcript of Putin’s comments on the importance of Russia-China relations in maintaining stability worldwide.

Putin stated that Russia and China would continue to coordinate their efforts on global and regional agendas through various multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. He also emphasized the significance of the “Russian-Chinese tandem” in these organizations.

Xi Jinping called for a comprehensive plan to further bilateral relations, which he said were advancing positively. He urged both sides to maintain close high-level exchanges and strengthen cooperation across various fields.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov reported that Putin has accepted Xi’s invitation to visit China in the first half of 2026. The two leaders discussed their countries’ relations with the United States, which they reportedly share similar views on, including Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative in Gaza.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China will uphold the international system with the UN at its core, regardless of changes in the global landscape.

Source: Al Jazeera