Xi and Putin Reaffirm "Limitless" Alliance Amid Ukraine Crisis

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their "limitless" alliance during a recent phone call, coinciding with the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Xi praised Russia's "constructive efforts to de-escalate the Ukrainian crisis," highlighting the strength and strategic value of their bilateral ties, which they consider resistant to external interference. Xi also mentioned the "Friends of Peace" group, co-founded by China and Brazil, aimed at fostering a political solution to the conflict. The two leaders expressed their intention to maintain high-level exchanges and deepen practical cooperation in the coming year, including commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed hope that China could play a role in negotiations, emphasizing his country's need for diplomatic, not military, assistance from Beijing. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated China's consistent and clear position on the war, emphasizing their commitment to dialogue and a political solution.