Putin Praises Xi Jinping, Highlights Strength of Russia-China Relationship

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed warm sentiments toward Chinese President Xi Jinping, characterizing their relationship as personal and solid. He rejected claims that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine had caused a significant Russian shift toward China.

Putin’s remarks came two weeks after a visit to Beijing with his Cabinet and business leaders. This marked Putin’s 25th trip to China. He and Xi have met over 40 times since Xi took office in 2013. Their mutual affection, noticeable in interactions, has led to the term “bromance” to describe their rapport.

I do have a good relationship with President Xi Jinping. He calls me ‘old friend,’ and I also call him that, Putin shared during a session at the 29th annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. This is no exaggeration or figure of speech. We have developed a trusting relationship, he added, as translated by APT News.

Fu Hua, head of China’s Xinhua News Agency, queried Putin on the high level of cooperation between Beijing and Moscow. The two nations have consistently aligned their diplomatic stances internationally, promoting a multipolar world in opposition to a U.S.-dominated order.

Russia’s Economic Dependency

China’s economic support has been crucial for Russia, especially since the Ukraine invasion. Last year, trade between the two exceeded $228 billion, a 50% increase from prewar levels. China’s purchase of discounted Russian gas eased the impact of Western sanctions and Europe’s shift away from Russian energy. The flow of Chinese electronics and components also supports Russia’s military industry, according to the U.S. and European allies.

A Long-standing Relationship

Putin noted that Beijing-Moscow ties are not a recent phenomenon. He emphasized the foundation laid in 2001 with the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, signed with then-Chinese leader Jiang Zemin.

During his latest visit, Xi celebrated a “new stage of greater achievements” in bilateral relations. The leaders released a joint 10,000-word statement and signed multiple agreements, though omitting the long-anticipated Power of Siberia 2 pipeline deal. Pricing negotiations continue as China considers diversifying its LNG sources.

This project could double Russia’s pipeline gas exports to China. Analysts note that China’s energy diversification efforts are influenced by recent global market disruptions.

China has become the leading importer of Russian oil and gas, filling the gap left by European countries.

Putin’s visit followed closely behind former President Donald Trump’s state visit. Both nations aimed to reduce tensions heightened by their past trade confrontations. During his visit, Trump praised Xi, calling him a “great leader.” He invited Xi to Washington in September.

Newsweek sought comment from China’s Foreign Ministry via email.