Xi and Putin Affirm Strong Ties Amid Shifting U.S. Foreign Policy

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed the strength of their bilateral relationship in a phone call, emphasizing that their nations "cannot be moved away" from each other. The call occurred as the U.S., under President Trump, explores a potential shift in foreign policy towards Russia. Xi stated that their ties would not be influenced by any third party, and both leaders highlighted the strategic nature of their foreign policy link, emphasizing it is not directed against anyone. The Kremlin described the call as "warm and friendly," noting the importance of the Russian-Chinese foreign policy link as a stabilizing factor in world affairs. This interaction took place around the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, against the backdrop of continued economic and technological support from China to Russia. Trump's administration officials met with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia, excluding Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in American policy.