Xi and Putin signal closer ties with new plans for the year ahead
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, exchanged New Year's greetings, agreeing to continue close cooperation and deepen their bilateral partnership, according to China's Foreign Ministry.
In his message, Xi Jinping noted that in 2025, China and Russia marked the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
"It's sending a powerful message that peace will prevail, justice will prevail, and the people will prevail," the Chinese leader said.
Xi also stressed that the past year saw significant progress in the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia. He noted that the two leaders met twice—once in Beijing and once in Moscow—and discussed key issues of mutual interest.
China's Foreign Ministry said Xi expressed willingness to maintain close contacts with Putin and jointly guide the future development of China-Russia relations.
Putin said that the strategic partnership between Russia and China "has maintained a sound development momentum" over the past year. He also referred to his two meetings with the Chinese leader and reiterated the traditional narrative of a shared victory with China over Nazi Germany and Japanese militarism.
"President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to continue maintaining close communication with President Xi Jinping on bilateral relations and major international issues," China’s Foreign Ministry adds.
At the same time, China's Foreign Ministry reported no New Year's greetings exchanged between Xi Jinping and leaders of other countries.
Russia–China cooperation
China officially declares neutrality regarding Russia's war against Ukraine. However, Beijing continues to maintain close cooperation with Moscow, and several Chinese companies supply Russia with dual-use goods, which can be used for military production.
Additionally, China purchases Russian oil and gas, actually providing the Kremlin with additional financial resources to wage the war. Beijing has become a key supplier for Russia's war machine and may have transferred lethal weapons, according to The Economist's June reports.
Reuters has also reported on supplies of Chinese combat engines to Russia disguised as industrial refrigeration units. Previously, US presidential envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said that cutting off China's support could end the war in Ukraine as early as the next day.
