Putin, Xi Hold Video Talks As Russian Leader Calls China Ties A Global 'Stabilising' Force

Last Updated:February 04, 2026, 16:11 IST

Putin said that political, economic and security cooperation between Moscow and Beijing remained strong despite growing global uncertainty.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin holds a video call with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow on February 4. (AFP photo)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday praised Russia’s close ties with China, calling the partnership a “stabilising" force for the world during a video call with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Speaking in a broadcast shown on Russian state television, Putin said that political, economic and security cooperation between Moscow and Beijing remained strong despite growing global uncertainty.

“Amid growing turbulence, the foreign policy alliance between Moscow and Beijing remains an important stabilising factor," he told Xi, whom he addressed as a “dear friend".

The virtual talks come as Russia and China continue to deepen their relationship since Moscow launched its military offensive in Ukraine in 2022. Both countries have repeatedly presented a united front against Western influence and have expanded cooperation in trade, energy and diplomacy.

Putin highlighted economic ties during the call, noting that trade between the two countries had increased as Russia redirected exports towards Asia. This shift followed sweeping sanctions imposed by Western nations over Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Chinese officials have never condemned Russia’s war nor called for Russian troops to withdraw. Many Western governments believe Beijing has provided Moscow with economic and diplomatic support, helping it cope with the impact of sanctions.

The call took place while Russian, Ukrainian and US officials were meeting in Abu Dhabi for another round of talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict. However, Putin made no reference to Ukraine during his conversation with Xi.

The two leaders last met face to face in September, when Putin attended a large military parade in Beijing. Xi also travelled to Moscow in May last year for events marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Diplomatic contacts between the two countries have continued in recent weeks. Last weekend, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Beijing.

Wang had said China and Russia should work together to support multilateralism during a time of global “turmoil" and promote what he described as a more equal and orderly multipolar world.

(With inputs from agencies)

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