Xi and Putin hold video call after Donald Trump’s inauguration

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a video conference a few hours after Donald Trump was sworn in on Monday, pledging to take the bilateral relationship “a long way”, according to state media on both sides.

Calling Xi a “close friend”, Putin said Russia and China are building relations “on the basis of friendship, trust and mutual support” despite external pressure.

Xi called on Putin to “continue to develop good relations, strengthen cooperation, and protect legitimate interests”.

Trump on Tuesday threatening tariffs in Beijingcalling him a “persecutor”, and warned that “big trouble” will come to Moscow if it does not cooperate with the end of the war in Ukraine.

Putin told Xi, however, that any settlement in Ukraine “must respect Russian interests”, according to foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov who spoke to reporters after the call.

Beijing was criticized the production of Moscow’s military machinery by providing it with the main components of the conflict in Ukraine.

Trade between the two countries is set to reach $240bn (£191bn) in 2023, up 64% from 2021 – before Russia invaded Ukraine.

“Putin and Xi have confirmed that they are ready to build relations with the US in a cooperative and respectful manner, if the Trump administration shows interest,” Ushakov said.

He added, however, that the call “is not related to the Trump administration in any way”.

The call lasted about an hour and a half, during which Putin and Xi also discussed the situation in the Middle East, South Korea and Taiwan, according to Ushakov.

Chinese media said Xi also indicated he was willing to work with Putin on “foreign issues”, without mentioning any other issues.

Xi held a phone call with Trump last week, which the US president described as a “very positive” conversation between the two countries. He talked about trafficking, fentanyl and TikTok, among other things, he said.

Putin did not speak to Trump again, but thanked him on state television hours before the inauguration.