Xi and Putin hold video call after Donald Trump’s inauguration

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a video call hours after Donald Trump was sworn in on Monday, vowing to take bilateral relations to “greater heights,” according to state media on both sides.

Putin called Xi a “dear friend” and said Russia and China were building ties “on the basis of friendship, mutual trust and support” despite external pressure.

Xi called on Putin to “continue to deepen strategic coordination, reaffirm mutual support and safeguard legitimate interests.”

Trump on Tuesday threat of tariffs on Beijingcalling him an “abuser,” and warned that Moscow will have “big problems” if it does not reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.

However, Putin told Xi that any deal in Ukraine “must respect Russian interests,” according to foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov, who spoke to reporters after the call.

Beijing has been accused of Building Moscow’s war machine providing it with critical components for the conflict in Ukraine.

Trade between the two countries reached a record $240bn (£191bn) in 2023, an increase of more than 64% from 2021, before Russia invaded Ukraine.

“Putin and Xi confirmed their readiness to build relations with the United States on a mutually beneficial and respectful basis, if the Trump team shows interest,” Ushakov said.

However, he also said the call was “in no way related to Trump’s inauguration.”

The call lasted about an hour and a half, during which Putin and Xi also discussed the situation in the Middle East, South Korea and Taiwan, according to Ushakov.

Chinese state media said Xi also expressed willingness to work with Putin in response to “external uncertainties,” without mentioning details.

Xi had a phone call with Trump last week, which the US president described as a “very good” discussion for both countries. They talked about trade, fentanyl and TikTok, among other things, he said.

Putin has not yet spoken to Trump, but congratulated him on state television hours before the inauguration.