Mon Feb 24 11:03:24 UTC 2025: ## Xi and Putin reaffirm strong friendship in video call
**Beijing/Moscow, February 24, 2025** – Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their strong friendship and mutual support during a videoconference call today, according to state media reports. President Xi emphasized the enduring nature of the China-Russia relationship, describing the two nations as “good neighbours that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and achieve common development.”
The call, initiated by Mr. Putin, comes amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While China has presented itself as neutral in the nearly three-year-old conflict, it has significantly strengthened military and trade ties with Russia and refrained from condemning Russia’s actions. This stance has led some NATO members to accuse Beijing of enabling the conflict.
Both leaders highlighted their close personal relationship, with Mr. Xi previously referring to Mr. Putin as his “best friend,” and Mr. Putin reciprocating by praising his “reliable partner.” The call underscores the continuing close political and economic partnership between China and Russia.
First Piper 