Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Chinese leader Xi Jinping via a video call on Friday.
Putin and Xi made no direct mention of the Ukraine war. But they hailed strengthening ties between Moscow and Beijing amid what they called “geopolitical tensions” and a “difficult international situation.”
“In the face of increasing geopolitical tensions, the significance of the Russian–Chinese strategic partnership is growing as a stabilizing factor,” Putin said. He invited Xi to visit Moscow in the spring.
Ties between Moscow and Beijing have grown stronger since Putin sent his troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24. Just last week, Moscow and Beijing held joint naval drills in the East China Sea.
China, which has promised a “no limits” friendship with Russia, has pointedly refused to criticize Moscow’s actions in Ukraine, blaming the United States and NATO for provoking the Kremlin, and has blasted the punishing sanctions imposed on Russia.
Russia, in turn, has strongly backed China amid the tensions with the United States over Taiwan.
Russia and China are both facing domestic difficulties. Putin is trying to maintain domestic support for a war that has lasted longer than anticipated, while a surge in COVID-19 cases has overwhelmed hospitals in China.
