Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for ongoing communication between the United States and Russia during a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This dialogue aims to facilitate a political resolution to the ongoing Ukraine crisis, which has entered its fourth year. The conversation, initiated at Putin’s request, underscores China’s commitment to peace talks and a diplomatic approach to the conflict.
Significance of the Call
According to CCTV, Xi reiterated the importance of maintaining discussions between the US and Russia to address the situation in Ukraine. This call comes at a critical time, as the Kremlin announced that Putin would soon meet with US President Donald Trump. The meeting is expected to focus on efforts to end hostilities in Ukraine.
Trump, who has adopted a more conciliatory stance towards Russia since resuming his presidency in January, has expressed frustration with the lack of progress in negotiations. He has also indicated the potential for imposing heavy tariffs on nations, including China, that continue to purchase Russian oil. On Wednesday, Trump mentioned the possibility of announcing additional tariffs on China, akin to the 25 percent duties he has already implemented on Indian oil imports from Russia.
China’s Position on Energy Cooperation
In response to Trump’s remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended China’s trade and energy collaboration with Russia, labeling it as “just and legitimate.” Guo emphasized that China will continue to pursue measures that ensure energy security based on its national interests.
The recent dialogue between Xi and Putin marks their second conversation in less than two months, reflecting the deepening ties between China and Russia. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, both nations have significantly strengthened their economic, trade, and security partnerships, especially in light of the deteriorating relations Moscow faces with Western nations.
Looking ahead, Putin is anticipated to visit China in September for events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. This visit is expected to further solidify the cooperative relationship between the two countries as they navigate the complexities of the geopolitical landscape.
