China’s Xi Holds Video Call With Russia’s Putin, Talks Elevating Ties by 2025

China’s President Xi Jinping and Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin held a video conference to discuss the future of their nations’ strategic partnership, Russian state media RIA Novosti reported on January 21.

During the call, Xi expressed readiness to elevate China-Russia relations to “new heights” while jointly addressing external uncertainties.

Putin emphasized the importance of their collaboration on the global stage, calling it a “stabilizing force in international affairs.” He also highlighted Russia’s prominent role in China’s energy market, stating, “Russia has become the leading supplier of natural gas to China and continues to hold the top position in oil exports.”

Xi affirmed China’s commitment to deepening ties with Russia, stating that Beijing is prepared to further advance its relationship with Moscow in 2025. Putin, in turn, praised the resilience of their bilateral relationship, noting it is “self-sufficient and independent of global conditions.”

Earlier, reports emerged that China’s crude oil imports from its largest supplier, Russia, rose by 1% in 2024, reaching a record high compared to 2023, while imports from Saudi Arabia fell by 9%