Beijing: China's President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a significant video conference call, just a day after Donald Trump assumed the US presidency for a second term. During the discussion, which included excerpts shared by the Kremlin, Putin emphasized the shared national interests and aligned perspectives that underpin the cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.

According to Anadolu Agency, Putin articulated that the relationship between Russia and China is founded on friendship, mutual trust, and benefit, describing these ties as "self-sufficient" and unaffected by domestic political dynamics or the current global situation. He noted that the robust relationship aligns with the integrated development goals of both nations and enhances the well-being of their peoples.

The Russian leader highlighted the countries' coordination on international platforms such as the UN, SCO, G20, and APEC, where they jointly advocate for a "more just multipolar world order" and work to ensure "indivisible security" in Eurasia and globally. Putin asserted that the foreign policy collaboration between Russia and China plays a stabilizing role in international affairs, with China being the largest consumer of Russian energy resources and expanding humanitarian ties between the two nations.

In response, President Xi expressed China's willingness to elevate relations with Russia, enhancing stability and resilience amid external challenges and promoting global fairness and justice. An official statement from Beijing noted Xi's emphasis on the 80th anniversary of the UN's founding, urging Beijing and Moscow to uphold the UN-centered international system, safeguard the achievements of World War II, and maintain their power as founding members of the UN and permanent Security Council members.