Xi says China, Russia true friends as Trump pursues Putin talks

Chinese leader Xi Jinping says China and Russia are true friends after speaking on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Xi reportedly said history and reality show the two countries are good neighbors and allies that support one another, Chinese state media reported on Monday, adding that Xi and Putin made plans for relations between the two countries throughout the year and “strengthened coordination on a series of major international and regional issues.”

It’s the latest in the developing relations between countries, coming as President Trump places more tariffs on China and seeks to break up the Russia-China partnership while increasingly engaging with Moscow on ending the war in Ukraine.

Trump administration officials have essentially sidelined Ukraine and other allies by meeting with Russian negotiators without Kyiv's participation. Trump has also blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for causing the war and said he was a dictator.

Former United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice expressed concern that such engagement could lead to repercussions with Xi wanting to take over Taiwan. She said Trump is “explicitly” aligning himself with Putin and questioned what message it sends to Xi.

Democratic Rep. Jim Himes (Conn.) also questioned the message the ceasefire talks sent to China and said Xi wakes up each day and wonders if today is the day he will invade Taiwan.

The Chinese leader said in the recent phone call that he was pleased to see Russia taking steps to ending the Ukraine war, and they both agreed to maintain communication.

Putin briefed Xi on the “latest Russia-U.S. contacts,” Chinese state media reported.

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