China’s Xi calls for a ‘no boundaries’ collaboration with Putin in response to the anniversary of the war in Ukraine

On Monday, the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, China’s official media stated that President Xi Jinping confirmed his “no limits” collaboration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone.

The leaders’ discussions came as U.S. President Donald Trump has pressed for a speedy agreement to end the war in Ukraine, increasing the likelihood that Washington may put pressure on Xi and Putin to concentrate on competing with the second-largest economy in the world.

The two leaders emphasized the strength and “long-term” character of their partnership, with its own internal dynamics that would not be altered by any “third party.” The call seemed to be intended to dismiss any such chances.

As stated in the official readout released by Chinese state media, “China-Russia relations have strong internal driving force and unique strategic value, and are not aimed at, nor are they influenced by, any third party,” Xi stated.

Xi stated that China and Russia “are good neighbors that cannot be moved apart” and that their foreign and development plans are long-term.

China, under pressure from a deliberate U.S. attempt to undermine its expanding military and economic dominance, and Russia, which is fighting war against Ukrainian forces sponsored by NATO, have increasingly found similar ground geopolitically.

Many experts see Xi’s recent statements to Putin that the two had the opportunity to bring about “changes the world has not seen in a century” as an effort to subvert the U.S.-led international order.

Days before Putin pushed tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, China and Russia announced a “no limits” strategic cooperation. In the last ten years, Xi has met with Putin more than 40 times, and in recent months, Putin has referred to China as an ally.

According to Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, “The Russians will see what carrots Trump may dangle to create distance between Moscow and Beijing, but they are confident that they can keep both pragmatic, beneficial ties with China and engage the United States if Trump is really willing to play ball.”

‘RUBUST COLLABORATION’

Trump’s decision to blame Ukraine for Russia’s 2022 invasion and exclude them and Ukraine from negotiations with Russia last week in Saudi Arabia has frightened Washington’s European allies.

A Kremlin statement said that Putin also told Xi “about the recent Russian-American contacts”.

Xi stated that China was “pleased to see the positive efforts made by Russia and all parties concerned to defuse the crisis,” citing China’s measures including the formation of a “friends of peace” group.

Since the West accuses China of aiding Russia’s war effort by supplying dual-use commodities and making large purchases of Russian gas and oil, critics say these efforts, which have centered on presenting China as a neutral mediator, are without foundation.

China has denied backing Russia’s industrial-military complex. At the Munich Security Conference last week, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, stated that the country will not cease purchasing Russian gas because doing so would make China insecure.

Instead, because China’s economy is already grappling with high young unemployment and is ill-equipped to withstand another trade war with Washington, Xi has instructed officials to research Trump’s policies and to react to his early levies and threats.

Following their January discussion on how to strengthen their relationship with Trump, this was the second conversation both leaders have had this year.

Gabuev, who is from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, stated that the “fact that both sides did it on the third anniversary of the war just tells you how robust this partnership has become.”

Preparations for the celebration of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two were also considered by the two parties. Russia invited Xi to the May event, which he accepted earlier this month.