On January 21, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their strategic alliance during a videoconference. This meeting occurred one day after Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.
Putin emphasized the importance of the cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, stating, “The foundation of cooperation is a broad community of national interests and a coincidence of views on how relations among major powers should be.” He noted that their foreign policy and collaborative efforts play a stabilizing role in international affairs.
Xi indicated China’s commitment to deepening relations with Russia, stating, “In the new year, we are preparing to elevate Chinese-Russian relations to new heights.” He expressed a desire to confront external uncertainties based on stability.
In light of recent developments, Xi spoke with Trump prior to the inauguration, while Putin is expected to initiate a conversation with the new president soon.
Putin has been working to bolster his image, recently signing a bilateral agreement with Iran. The Kremlin maintains an open stance for dialogue with Trump on issues such as the Ukraine conflict and nuclear arms but has expressed concerns about Trump's recent comments, including his interest in acquiring Greenland.
Meanwhile, China is navigating its longstanding geopolitical rivalry with the U.S., including the ongoing discussions regarding the potential sale of TikTok's U.S. operations. Despite sending its Vice President to Trump's inauguration, Xi’s remarks signal a warning about maintaining China’s autonomy in foreign policy amidst Washington's shifts.