Trump's swearing-in video call agreed to take bilateral relations 'to a higher level'
A few hours after Donald Trump was sworn in as the US president, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had a video call. According to the official media of both Chinese countries, an agreement has been reached between the two leaders to take bilateral relations to a 'higher level'.
During the conversation, Putin addressed Xi as 'dear friend'. Putin said that despite external pressure, Russia and China are building relations based on friendship, mutual trust and support. Xi called on Putin to "deepen strategic coordination, strengthen mutual support and protect legitimate interests," the BBC reported.
Immediately after assuming the office of the President, Trump said that China is an 'abuser' and warned to impose taxes . Trump says that if Russia does not agree to end the war in Ukraine, there will be a 'big problem'. According to Foreign Affairs Adviser Yuriy Ushakov, Putin said in a video conversation with Xi that an agreement would be reached only if Russia's interest in the Ukraine issue is also in the interest of Russia.
Western countries have accused China of providing significant support for the war in Ukraine. Before Russia invaded Ukraine, trade between the two countries reached $240 billion in 2023. This year 64 percent more than 2021.
'If the Trump administration shows interest, Putin and Xi have confirmed that they are ready to build relations with the US on a mutually beneficial and respectful basis,' Ushakov said . He claims that he has nothing to do with Trump's inauguration.
According to Ushakov, the two leaders also discussed the latest situation in West Asia, South Korea and Taiwan during the video conversation that lasted for about one and a half hours.
Chinese President Xi had a telephone conversation with Trump last week. The conversation was interpreted by US President Trump as a very good discussion for both countries. Putin said that Trump has not spoken since taking office as president. But before the swearing-in ceremony, he congratulated Trump.
