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

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a video call hours after Donald Trump was sworn in on Monday, pledging to take bilateral relations to “greater heights”, according to state media on both sides.

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

Xi called on Putin to “continue to deepen strategic coordination, strengthen mutual support and safeguard legitimate interests.”

Trump Tuesday threat of customs duties on Beijingcalling him an “aggressor”, and warned that “big problems” would come to Moscow if it fails to reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.

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

Beijing has been accused of build Moscow’s war machine by providing it with essential elements for the conflict in Ukraine.

Trade between the two countries will hit a record $240bn (£191bn) in 2023, up more than 64% since 2021 – before Russia invaded Ukraine.

“Putin and Xi confirmed their willingness to build relations with the United States on a mutually beneficial and respectful basis, if the Trump team shows interest,” Ushakov said.

However, he also said the call had “no connection to Trump’s inauguration.”

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 state media said Xi also expressed readiness to work with Putin in response to “external uncertainties,” without mentioning details.

Xi held a phone call with Trump last week, which the US president called a “very good” discussion for both countries. They talked about trade, fentanyl and TikTok, among other things, he said.

Putin has yet to speak with Trump, but congratulated him on state television hours before the inauguration.