President Xi Jinping of China stated during a video meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Tuesday (January 21, 2025) that both leaders are committed to further strengthening bilateral relations in the new year. Xi emphasized the need to address external uncertainties through the stability and resilience of Sino-Russian ties, while jointly promoting the development and revitalization of their countries and upholding international justice.
The two leaders exchanged congratulatory messages for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year. Xi recalled the three meetings he held with Putin in 2022, which led to significant mutual understandings, and noted that last year marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. He highlighted the dynamic nature of these relations, characterized by permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Xi mentioned various cultural activities and pragmatic cooperation as part of the China-Russia Years of Culture, as well as growing bilateral trade. He also highlighted the close coordination between China and Russia on multilateral platforms like the United Nations (UN), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS, which contribute to the reform and development of the global governance system.
Xi called for continued deepening of strategic coordination, mutual support, and protection of the legitimate interests of both countries. He emphasized the importance of consolidating and expanding bilateral relations and promoting the in-depth development of practical cooperation. Xi noted that this year marks the 80th anniversaries of the victories of China’s People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
Xi stressed the need for China and Russia to jointly defend the UN-centered international system, promote adherence to the UN Charter, uphold universally recognized international norms, and practice true multilateralism. As the rotating chair of the SCO, China expressed its willingness to work with Russia and other member states to usher in a new phase characterized by higher-quality development and greater responsibility.
Xi also called for advancing greater BRICS cooperation to write a new chapter of unity and self-improvement for the Global South. Putin, in turn, expressed satisfaction with the sustained positive momentum in bilateral trade, energy cooperation, and mutual visits, as well as the close collaboration between the two countries on multilateral arenas.
Putin reiterated Russia’s firm adherence to the principle that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and its resolute opposition to “Taiwan independence” in any form. He noted that 80 years ago, the Russian and Chinese peoples resisted aggressors, safeguarding their national sovereignty, and called for commemorating the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War victory and defending its outcomes.
Putin emphasized Russia’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with China on multilateral affairs and play a positive role in promoting world peace and development. The two leaders engaged in in-depth discussions on international and regional issues of common concern and agreed to maintain strategic communication in the new year.
Photo source: Xinhuanews
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