Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his “no limits” partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone call on Monday, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to Chinese state media.
The discussion took place as former U.S. President Donald Trump advocated for a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict, raising concerns that Washington might attempt to create a rift between Beijing and Moscow while intensifying its competition with China.
However, Xi and Putin emphasized the enduring and strategic nature of their alliance, asserting that their partnership is driven by internal dynamics and remains unaffected by external influences.
“China-Russia relations have a strong internal driving force and unique strategic significance. They are neither directed against nor influenced by any third party,” Xi stated, according to an official readout of the conversation.
He further stressed that the foreign policies and development strategies of both nations are long-term commitments.
Trump recently unsettled European allies by excluding them and Ukraine from discussions with Russia while placing blame on Ukraine for the 2022 invasion.
Monday’s conversation marked the second call between Xi and Putin this year, following a previous discussion in January on strengthening bilateral ties in light of potential shifts in U.S. policy under Trump.
China and Russia had declared a “no limits” strategic partnership just days before Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Over the past decade, Xi and Putin have met more than 40 times, with Putin recently referring to China as an “ally.”
Beijing’s refusal to condemn Moscow’s actions in Ukraine has strained its relations with the U.S. and Europe, further shaping the geopolitical landscape.
