PutinPlansTwoVisitstoChinain2026asTiesDeepen

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a video meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the afternoon of Feb. 4. Photo: Liu Bin/Xinhua

Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted a dual-track of high-stakes diplomacy Wednesday, holding a video summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a separate phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, as Beijing attempts to navigate an increasingly fractured global order.

During the video conference with the Russian leader, Xi noted that their two meetings over the past year have steered Sino-Russian relations into a new phase. He highlighted the countries’ joint commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory against fascism, showcasing a determination to defend the outcomes of World War II and international justice.

Xi emphasized that with the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan this year, Beijing will pursue high-level opening-up and share development opportunities with Russia and the world. Noting that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the strategic partnership of coordination, Xi called for closer high-level exchanges and deeper strategic collaboration.

Citing increasing global turbulence since the start of the year, Xi stated that as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia have an obligation to defend the U.N.-centered international system and maintain global strategic stability.

Putin expressed confidence in the relationship, emphasizing focus on mutual support for sovereignty, security, and development, while enhancing cultural exchanges to benefit both populations.

The Russian leader affirmed Moscow’s willingness to strengthen strategic coordination within the U.N., the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS. He also pledged support for China’s hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen later this year.

Following the summit, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters that the video call lasted nearly an hour and a half, describing the atmosphere as friendly and the content substantive.

“Such contacts have become a mature and stable tradition between our heads of state,” Ushakov said, noting this was the sixth such pre-Lunar New Year call.

Both leaders agreed that the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between the two countries have reached unprecedented levels, based on equality, and not directed against any third party, and not subject to short-term changes, according to Ushakov.

Moscow also expressed support for Beijing’s initiative to establish a global artificial intelligence cooperation organization.

The two leaders also discussed relations with the U.S.

According to Ushakov, Moscow and Beijing hold “practically identical” positions on most international issues, including their assessment of President Trump’s initiative to establish a so-called “Board of Peace” for Gaza.

“On key issues involving national interests, Russia and China support each other,” Ushakov said. “In the face of external challenges, as our Chinese friends say, our countries stand ‘back-to-back’ and can rely on one another.”

Regarding high-level interactions for 2026, Ushakov confirmed that Xi invited Putin for an official visit to China in the first half of the year, which Putin accepted. Additionally, Putin plans to attend the APEC summit in Shenzhen in November.

Plans are also in place for bilateral meetings on the sidelines of other international events in 2026, including SCO and BRICS gatherings.

The leaders exchanged views on international tensions, with Ushakov noting serious discussions on explosive situations in various regions.

Ushakov stated that the Chinese leader expressed support for Russian-U.S.-Ukrainian trilateral consultations in Abu Dhabi regarding the Ukraine conflict.

They also discussed situations surrounding Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. The leaders called for a permanent mechanism to coordinate responses to emerging threats, particularly on sensitive hotspot issues.

On Taiwan, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s adherence to the “one-China” principle. The two also discussed the Asia-Pacific security situation, including their views on current Sino-Japanese relations.

Ushakov described the exchange as warm and friendly, concluding with mutual well-wishes for the new year.

The back-to-back calls with Russian and U.S. leaders came just one day before the New START treaty between Washington and Moscow is set to expire on Feb. 5.

Signed in 2010, the treaty limits deployed strategic nuclear warheads to 1,550. Having been extended once, its terms dictate it will expire on Thursday.

Last September, Moscow proposed to Washington a voluntary self-restraint measure to extend the warhead cap by one year, but has yet to receive a formal response, according to Ushakov.

During the call with Xi, Putin remarked that despite the complex situation surrounding New START, Russia remains open to ensuring strategic stability through negotiation, though it will act prudently based on a comprehensive security analysis.