Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held formal discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking their first face-to-face consultations since the U.S. trade tensions escalated under President Trump last month.
At the conference, Xi emphasized a united front against what he termed “politics of power” and “bullying” on the global stage. He reflected on the sacrifices made by China and Russia during past conflicts, highlighting their shared history as a foundation for future cooperation.
“Eighty years ago, the people of China and Russia made tremendous sacrifices to ensure a great victory, contributing an indelible chapter to the causes of world peace and human progress,” Xi remarked, indicating a sense of historical camaraderie.
As they met on a day significant in European history—the anniversary of the end of World War II—Xi reinforced China’s commitment to stand alongside Russia, stating that both nations would take on special responsibilities as major players in the United Nations Security Council.
Xi and Putin convened for this discussion amidst a joint celebration in Moscow’s Red Square, attended by leaders from diverse nations, including Brazil. Xi appeared to indirectly address the U.S., which imposed steep tariffs on Chinese goods, while Putin stressed the importance of their relationship, claiming it was mutually beneficial and unaffected by outside pressures.
The two leaders have strengthened their ties significantly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, in response to Western efforts to isolate Moscow. Putin lauded the historical bonds forged during the war era as pivotal to their contemporary partnership.
Furthermore, they discussed their respective roles in fostering a resolution to issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, linking it to a broader commitment to international stability and security. Although specifics on their collaboration remain vague, they expressed an intent to promote peace in the region.
Currently, the White House has not commented on the implications of this meeting or the potential involvement of China and Russia in forthcoming diplomatic efforts related to Iran.
