Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a video conference on Wednesday focused on deepening bilateral economic and strategic cooperation, while also exchanging views on their respective relations with the United States, according to statements from both sides.
The call underscored the growing alignment between Moscow and Beijing at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global alliances. Kremlin officials said the two leaders discussed trade, energy partnerships, and coordination on major international issues, describing the Russia-China foreign policy link as a “stabilizing factor” amid global turbulence.
During the conversation, Putin accepted an invitation from Xi to visit China twice this year, including participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled to be hosted by China in Shenzhen later in the year. The visits are expected to further consolidate diplomatic and economic ties between the two powers.
According to Russian state media, Putin emphasized mutual support for national sovereignty and independent development paths, while highlighting cooperation in strategic energy projects, nuclear technology for peaceful use, high-tech industries, and space research. He also welcomed China’s decision to allow visa-free entry for Russian citizens, a measure reciprocated by Moscow.
Xi, in remarks reported by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, described the moment as a “historic opportunity” to deepen strategic cooperation and advance bilateral relations to what he called a new stage of development. He called for continued high-level exchanges and pragmatic collaboration, noting steady progress in trade and economic relations between the two countries, with China remaining Russia’s largest trading partner.
The leaders also reviewed recent diplomatic contacts, including meetings between senior security and foreign policy officials from both countries, and agreed on the importance of maintaining close coordination in a rapidly changing international environment.
A significant portion of the discussion addressed relations with Washington. Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said the two presidents’ assessments of U.S. policies were “largely aligned,” and that both sides expressed support for cooperation based on international law and the United Nations Charter. Ushakov added that the leaders viewed potential dialogue with the current U.S. administration as an opportunity, particularly in the context of ongoing negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
Nuclear arms control also featured in the exchange, with Putin noting the approaching expiration of the New START treaty and the lack of a formal U.S. response to Moscow’s proposal for a one-year extension. The Russian president reiterated that his country would act “in a balanced and responsible manner” while remaining open to negotiations aimed at preserving strategic stability.
Beyond bilateral and U.S.-related matters, the two leaders discussed regional tensions involving Iran as well as developments in Venezuela and Cuba, reaffirming their intention to maintain existing levels of cooperation with those governments.
The call came as China continues diplomatic outreach to Western capitals despite persistent disagreements over the war in Ukraine and Beijing’s ties with Moscow. Analysts view the Putin-Xi exchange as part of broader efforts by both countries to coordinate positions on global governance, economic resilience, and the evolving international order.
