Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping held a video conference the day after Donald Trump was sworn in as US president. According to Russia, it was allegedly “in no way related to the inauguration” of his presidency, but one of the main topics was the possibility of cooperation between both countries and the USA.
Presidents Russia and China they had a video call on Tuesday. According to the Russian side, it lasted about an hour and a half. During the meeting, the politicians exchanged pleasantries and extended New Year's wishes to each other. According to the BBC Vladimir Putin called Xi Jinping a “dear friend”, and the latter “emphasized his readiness to cooperate with President Putin”, reports the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both leaders also talked about further strengthening cooperation between the countries. Xi Jinping allegedly talked about the desire to “bring Sino-Russian relations to a new level” and the need to “deepen strategic coordination, mutual support and defense of each other's legitimate interests.” Similar words were allegedly uttered by Putin. Both countries will be connected from 2022″comprehensive strategic coordination partnership for a new era“.
China and Russia on cooperation with the US
Foreign affairs were to occupy a large part of the conversation. “The two presidents held an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of common interest,” according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition, the leaders touched on the situation in the Middle East, South Korea and elsewhere Taiwan.
One of the topics was also to be the possibilities of cooperation between both countries and the United States. Yuri Ushakov, Russian foreign policy adviser, said that during the Xi-Putin meeting they confirmed “their readiness to build relations with the US on mutually beneficial and respectful terms if the Trump administration shows such interest.” Although the conversation took place the day after the swearing in Donald Trump as American president, Ushakov stated that organizing the video conference was “in no way related” to this event.
Vladimir Putin talked to Xi Jinping PAP/EPA/GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL / POOL
The Russian side also said that it was “ready for dialogue with the new US administration regarding the Ukrainian conflict.” Ushakov said Putin wants long-term peace, not a short-term ceasefire. – However, any agreement must take into account Russia's interests – he added. He also mentioned that so far “no specific proposals to talk to Trump have been received.”
On Monday, he again mentioned his desire to meet the Russian leader and admitted that he intended to end it war in Ukraine as soon as possible. He spoke about the plans while signing a series of executive regulations. He also said that Putin “cannot be delighted” with how the war is going, estimating Russian war losses at one million. – I think he is destroying Russia by not accepting the agreement (…). Russia is in big trouble, the president said USA. Same day Putin offered him official congratulations.
Even before Trump officially took office he also had a conversation with the leader of China. According to his account, the conversation was “very good” for both parties. It was supposed to concern, among others, trafficking, fentanyl and the TikTok application.
Main photo source: PAP/EPA/GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL / POOL