China’s Xi Reaffirms “No Limits” Friendship with Russia’s Putin as US Shifts Stance on Ukraine

Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his strong relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, signaling that any potential detente between Moscow and Washington would not impact their deep-rooted ties, Bloomberg reports.

During a phone call, Xi told Putin that China welcomes efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, highlighting the “strong internal driving force and unique strategic value” of the relationship between the two nations, according to China Central Television.

The Kremlin echoed this sentiment, stating that China expressed its “readiness to assist in finding ways for a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian conflict.” This comes as Beijing positions itself to potentially play a role in Ukrainian reconstruction and, according to some analysts, even peacekeeping operations, although the feasibility of the latter remains uncertain.

The conversation occurred amidst a significant shift in the global political landscape, sparked by President Donald Trump’s initiation of peace talks with Putin, a move that demonstrated a sharp change in US policy on Ukraine. Subsequent meetings between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia have triggered concerns among Europe and Ukraine.

The United States on Monday withdrew its condemnation of Russia at the United Nations General Assembly. Washington vetoed a European-backed resolution that labeled Moscow’s actions as a “full-scale invasion.”

The US and Russia found common ground in the Security Council, approving a US resolution calling for a “swift end” to the conflict without assigning blame. The resolution passed with the support of both Russia and China, marking an extraordinary shift in alliances, considering the previous deadlock caused by vetoes on earlier resolutions concerning the war.

China has publicly welcomed direct communication between Putin and Trump.

“The window for peace is opening up,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

Xi and Putin solidified a “no limits” friendship in February 2022, just days before the conflict in Ukraine began, and have since presented a united front in challenging Washington’s global dominance.

Looking ahead, both leaders have indicated plans for reciprocal visits this year. Xi is scheduled to visit Putin in Moscow this May, while Putin has announced joint commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the end of China’s war with Japan.