Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video meeting on January 21, 2025, to discuss strengthening their nations’ strategic partnership. This discussion, coinciding with Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, reflects the deepening ties between Beijing and Moscow amid increasing global tensions.

China and Russia have solidified their relationship over the past decade, often presenting a united front against Western influence. Their partnership has become particularly prominent since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While Beijing has consistently described itself as neutral in the conflict, its refusal to condemn Moscow’s actions and its growing economic and political support have prompted NATO members to label China as an “enabler” of the war.

During the meeting, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of continued cooperation, stating that China remains committed to a “permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation” with Russia. Similarly, Vladimir Putin referred to Xi as his “dear friend” and outlined “new plans for the development of the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.”

The partnership between these two global powers is underscored by mutual interests in countering US influence. In the wake of severe Western economic sanctions on Russia, Moscow has turned to Beijing for trade and financial support. The economic ties between the two nations have grown substantially, with bilateral trade reaching record highs in 2024, particularly in energy exports from Russia to China.

China’s imports of Russian oil, gas,........

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