MOSCOW (Realist English). Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone call on Wednesday, focusing primarily on the escalating conflict in the Middle East. According to presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the discussion was “friendly and constructive,” with both leaders expressing unified positions on key global issues.
Putin and Xi strongly condemned Israel’s recent actions, calling them violations of the UN Charter and international law. Both leaders reaffirmed that the crisis, including tensions around Iran’s nuclear program, must be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic means.
President Putin briefed Xi on his latest international contacts related to the Israel-Iran confrontation and reiterated Russia’s readiness to mediate if necessary. Xi welcomed this role, noting that Russian mediation could help de-escalate the volatile situation. The two leaders agreed to instruct their respective agencies to maintain close communication and coordinate assessments in the coming days.
Beyond the crisis, the conversation touched on the broader bilateral agenda. Ushakov noted that both sides emphasized the momentum gained during Xi’s May visit to Moscow, where strategic priorities for deepening the Russia-China partnership were set. Special significance was attributed to Xi’s presence at the Victory Day celebrations on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
Looking ahead, the presidents confirmed plans to meet again at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin on August 31 – September 1, and to participate together in commemorations of the victory over militarist Japan in Beijing on September 3. A full bilateral summit is scheduled for September 2 in the Chinese capital.
Despite global headwinds, the leaders noted record-breaking economic ties: bilateral trade reached nearly $245bn in 2024. Putin, speaking from the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, also announced plans to meet with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, who is leading the Chinese delegation and will join Putin for the event’s main plenary session.
The leaders discussed the recent G7 summit in Canada, where internal tensions were noted. According to Ushakov, it was remarked that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s participation was “far from successful.” In contrast, Moscow and Beijing reiterated their shared intent to boost cooperation in multilateral forums, including BRICS, SCO, and the United Nations.
Ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Putin and Xi reviewed progress on Russian initiatives introduced last year in Kazan — notably a proposed investment platform to stimulate growth across the Global South. Russian and Chinese experts are in “close contact” on advancing the proposal.
Xi also provided a detailed account of his recent visit to Kazakhstan for the China–Central Asia summit. Both leaders agreed on the importance of coordinating efforts to promote regional stability and prosperity in Central Asia. This dialogue will feed into preparations for the second Russia–Central Asia summit, scheduled for October 10 in Dushanbe.
To conclude the call, Putin warmly congratulated Xi on his recent 72nd birthday (June 15), wishing him “longevity of the Southern Mountains and happiness as vast as the Eastern Sea” — in accordance with Chinese tradition. Xi, in turn, offered congratulations to Putin and the Russian people on the occasion of Russia Day (June 12).
Both presidents expressed satisfaction with the “unprecedented level” of bilateral relations and described the conversation as highly productive and timely. The call lasted approximately one hour.
