Moscow and Beijing are deepening their strategic alignment, presenting a united front amid increasing global instability, according to discussions held between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on . The leaders held a video conference to discuss burgeoning economic cooperation, relations with the United States and broader international crises.
The call, which lasted approximately one hour and 25 minutes, was described by Kremlin aides as “friendly and trusting,” occurring shortly before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Both presidents emphasized the importance of their bilateral relationship as a stabilizing force in a turbulent world.
The strengthening ties between China and Russia have become more pronounced since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine and the subsequent imposition of economic sanctions on Moscow by the United States and its allies. Russia is increasingly reliant on China for trade and economic support as it navigates the pressures of those sanctions. China has not condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, nor has it called for a withdrawal of forces, leading some of Ukraine’s allies to believe Beijing is providing indirect support to Moscow.
President Xi Jinping, as reported by Chinese state media CCTV, told Putin that “the international situation has become more turbulent since the beginning of this year.” He stated that the two countries should ensure the stable development of China-Russia relations through deeper strategic coordination and a proactive role as major global powers.
Putin, referring to Xi as a “dear friend,” echoed this sentiment, asserting that the two nations’ foreign policy coordination remains “an important stabilizing factor” on the global stage. He characterized the strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation between Russia and China as a model for international relations.
While specific details of the strategic cooperation were not disclosed, the Kremlin revealed that the two leaders exchanged views on the United States, largely agreeing on their assessments. They also discussed tensions in Iran and issues related to strategic security, particularly concerning the impending expiration of a key nuclear agreement between Russia and the United States. Putin assured Xi that Russia would act responsibly following the agreement’s termination.
Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to a United Nations-centered international system, highlighting China’s permanent seat on the UN Security Council and its veto power. This position comes amid concerns raised by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposals for a peace committee, which some perceive as an attempt to diminish the UN’s role in global affairs.
The conversation with Putin took place just hours before Chinese state media reported that Xi Jinping also held a telephone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, though details of that discussion have not been released.
In recent months, China has been actively strengthening its relationships with various countries, seemingly aiming to build a diplomatic coalition in response to what is perceived as unpredictable U.S. Policy. Leaders from France, Canada, Finland, and Uruguay, among others, have visited Beijing in recent months.
The Kremlin indicated that Putin accepted an invitation to visit China twice in 2026, signaling a further commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship. This follows a pattern of increased high-level engagement between the two countries, demonstrating a clear intent to coordinate their positions on key international issues and to present a unified front in a changing geopolitical landscape.
The growing alignment between Russia and China is likely to have significant implications for the global balance of power, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts and increasing tensions between major world powers. The two nations’ shared interest in challenging the perceived dominance of the United States and promoting a multipolar world order suggests a continued strengthening of their partnership in the years to come.
