Xi and Putin discuss relations with Trump, Ukraine and Taiwan | Donald Trump news

The Kremlin says the leaders discussed their potential contacts with the new US administration of Donald Trump during a wide-ranging video call.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping about ways to strengthen bilateral relations the next day Donald Trump He was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that the two leaders discussed their possible contacts with the Trump administration during a wide-ranging video call that lasted more than an hour and a half.

Russian media reported that the two leaders talked about enhancing trade flows. China is the largest consumer of Russian energy and the largest market for oil exports for Russia.

Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters in Moscow that Xi and Putin “indicated their readiness to build relations with the United States on the basis of mutual benefit and mutual respect, if the Trump team really shows interest.”

He added: “It was also noted on our part that we are ready for dialogue with the new American administration regarding the Ukrainian conflict.”

For his part, Trump said so Ready to accommodate Russia believes that Ukraine’s right to self-determination can be set aside in the interests of peace and stability.

Ushakov said that Putin wants long-term peace in Ukraine, not a short-term ceasefire. He added that no specific proposals for a call with Trump had been received.

Regarding Taiwan, Ushakov said that Russia “confirmed its firm position in support of the one-China principle.”

China regards Taiwan is governed democratically As its own territory. In a New Year’s speech, President Xi said no one could prevent China’s “reunification” with Taiwan. The Taiwan government rejects Beijing’s claims.

Ushakov said the video call between Putin and Xi was planned before Trump’s inauguration.

A partnership without borders

China and Russia announced a “borderless” partnership in February 2022 when Putin visited Beijing, days before sending tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine. In recent months, Putin has described China as an “ally.”

Trump said he would be tough on China and would talk to Putin about ending the war in Ukraine. In statements to reporters after his inauguration, Trump said that Putin must reach an agreement to end the war because the conflict is destroying Russia.

Xi called for talks to end the war in Ukraine and accused the United States of stoking the war through arms sales to Kiev, which said it was ready to seek a negotiated solution that respects its interests.