On February 24, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their “no limits” partnership in a phone call, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine14. The conversation, described as “warm and friendly” by the Kremlin, focused on strengthening bilateral strategic cooperation and discussing recent developments in US-Russia relations1.
Key Points of the Conversation
Strategic Partnership: Both leaders emphasized the enduring nature of their alliance, stating that China-Russia relations have “strong internal driving force and unique strategic value”34. Xi asserted that their partnership is not aimed at or influenced by any third party4.
Ukraine Conflict: Putin briefed Xi on recent contacts with the United States regarding the Ukraine situation. China expressed support for the ongoing dialogue between Russia and the US, and willingness to assist in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict13.
Global Stability: The leaders portrayed their partnership as a key stabilizing factor in global affairs, not directed against any other country14.
Implications
This reaffirmation of the China-Russia partnership comes amid US President Donald Trump’s efforts to improve ties with Russia and end the Ukraine war34. The timing and content of the call appear to counter any speculation that Washington could drive a wedge between Beijing and Moscow46.
The conversation also highlighted China’s continued support for Russia, despite international pressure. While China has declared neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, it has been a significant diplomatic and economic supporter of Russia since the invasion began36.
This phone call, the second between Xi and Putin this year, underscores the strength and strategic importance of the China-Russia relationship in the current geopolitical landscape67.
Citations:
- https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/putin-xi-reaffirm-partnership-after-russia-us-contacts/3491693
- https://global.espreso.tv/russia-ukraine-war-xi-reaffirms-no-limits-partnership-with-putin-on-ukraine-war-anniversary
- https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/24/china/china-xi-putin-call-trump-pivot-russia-intl-hnk/index.html
- https://www.voanews.com/a/xi-affirms-no-limits-partnership-with-putin-in-call-on-ukraine-war-anniversary-/7985763.html
- https://weeklyblitz.net/2025/02/26/chinas-xi-backs-putin-on-ukraine-peace-efforts-shaping-new-geopolitical-order/
- https://tickernews.co/xi-affirms-no-limits-russia-partnership-amid-ukraine-war/
- https://sarajevotimes.com/xi-reaffirms-boundless-partnership-with-putin-amid-strengthening-ties/
- https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2025/02/24/un-reaffirms-kyiv-s-territorial-integrity-in-ukraine-war-resolution
- https://www.reuters.com/world/xi-putin-hold-phone-call-ukraine-war-anniversary-state-media-says-2025-02-24/
- https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/zyxw/202501/t20250121_11542093.html
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/02/24/putin-russia-rare-metal-ukraine-trump/
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/24/world/asia/xi-putin-call-russia-china-trump.html
- https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1327341.shtml
- https://eng.belta.by/politics/view/xi-in-call-with-putin-affirms-chinas-readiness-to-assist-with-peaceful-settlement-of-ukrainian-conflict-165739-2025/
- https://www.cfr.org/article/china-russia-relations-january-2025
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-24/china-s-xi-held-phone-call-with-putin-at-request-of-russia
- https://www.voanews.com/a/china-eyes-trump-s-ukraine-strategy-strengthens-ties-with-russia/7986607.html
- https://thediplomat.com/2025/02/in-phone-call-putin-xi-emphasize-that-china-and-russia-cannot-be-moved-apart/
