Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-vladimir-putin-destroying-russia-by-not-signing-a-deal-to-end-ukraine-war-8639126">Vladimir Putin</a> spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday (Jan 21), emphasising the close relationship between their two nations. The call came just a day after Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States.
Russia and China declared a "no limits" partnership in February 2022 during Putin's visit to Beijing, shortly before Russia launched its military action in Ukraine. In recent months, Putin has also described China as an "ally."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-resort-fire-66-killed-51-injured-after-flames-erupt-at-ski-resort-in-ankara-8641536" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Turkey resort fire: 66 killed, 51 injured after flames erupt at ski resort</a>
<h2>From one 'dear friend' to another</h2>
Addressing Xi from his residence near Moscow, Putin greeted the Chinese leader, referring to him as his "dear friend." He said that he wanted to discuss "new plans for the development of the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation."
&ldquo;I agree with you that cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is based on a broad commonality of national interests and a convergence of views on what relations between major powers should be,&rdquo; Putin said, according to comments broadcast by Russian state television. 
&ldquo;We build our ties on the basis of friendship, mutual trust and support, equality and mutual benefit. These connections are self-sufficient, independent of domestic political factors and the current global situation.&rdquo;
Xi also referred to Putin as his "dear friend." He said that he hoped that their partnership would continue to grow and reach new heights, according to a live Russian translation of his comments.
Also read: <a class="gh-card-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-panama-canal-trump-inauguration-trump-white-house-trump-20-8641227" aria-label="Explained: Why is Trump so obsessed with taking Panama Canal back? Is it essential for US?"></a><a class="gh-card-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-panama-canal-trump-inauguration-trump-white-house-trump-20-8641227" aria-label="Explained: Why is Trump so obsessed with taking Panama Canal back? Is it essential for US?">Explained: Why is Trump so obsessed with taking Panama Canal back? Is it essential for US?</a>
Although neither leader directly mentioned Trump during the televised segment of their discussion, the timing of their conversation suggests they may be coordinating their approach in light of the new US administration.
On Friday, Xi had a call with Trump, during which he expressed a desire for positive relations with the United States. Trump, during his campaign, had proposed imposing tariffs and other measures against China. Putin has not yet spoken with Trump but congratulated him on his inauguration during a televised video call with Russian officials. Putin welcomed Trump&rsquo;s intention to engage in dialogue with Moscow.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Russia and China declared a "no limits" partnership in February 2022 during Putin's visit to Beijing, shortly before Russia launched its military action in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday (Jan 21), emphasising the close relationship between their two nations. The call came just a day after Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. Russia and China declared a "no limits" partnership in February 2022 during Putin's visit to Beijing, shortly before Russia launched its military action in Ukraine. In recent months, Putin has also described China as an "ally." Also read: Turkey resort fire: 66 killed, 51 injured after flames erupt at ski resort From one 'dear friend' to another Addressing Xi from his residence near Moscow, Putin greeted the Chinese leader, referring to him as his "dear friend." He said that he wanted to discuss "new plans for the development of the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation." “I agree with you that cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is based on a broad commonality of national interests and a convergence of views on what relations between major powers should be,” Putin said, according to comments broadcast by Russian state television. “We build our ties on the basis of friendship, mutual trust and support, equality and mutual benefit. These connections are self-sufficient, independent of domestic political factors and the current global situation.” Xi also referred to Putin as his "dear friend." He said that he hoped that their partnership would continue to grow and reach new heights, according to a live Russian translation of his comments. Also read: Explained: Why is Trump so obsessed with taking Panama Canal back? Is it essential for US? Although neither leader directly mentioned Trump during the televised segment of their discussion, the timing of their conversation suggests they may be coordinating their approach in light of the new US administration. On Friday, Xi had a call with Trump, during which he expressed a desire for positive relations with the United States. Trump, during his campaign, had proposed imposing tariffs and other measures against China. Putin has not yet spoken with Trump but congratulated him on his inauguration during a televised video call with Russian officials. Putin welcomed Trump’s intention to engage in dialogue with Moscow. (With inputs from agencies)

Hours after Trump inauguration, Putin dials 'dear friend' Xi Jinping - Here's what they talked about

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia has sought military assistance from China in Ukraine, a US official has reportedly said.

According to New York Times, the US officials have&nbsp;however not disclosed what type of weapon has been requested.

The US newspaper, quoting the official, also claimed that Kremlin has asked China for economic assistance in the wake of sanctions imposed by the West.

There are already reports of Russian banks tying up with the Chinese counterparts on the possibility of issuing “co-badged” cards powered by payment systems like Chinese state-owned UnionPay and Russia’s Mir for international payments, after Visa and Mastercard ceased operations in Russia.

China has, however, refuted claims of Moscow seeking weapons. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the US, said in a statement, "I've never heard of that."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-journalist-shot-dead-in-ukraine-another-wounded-461933">US journalist shot dead in Ukraine, another wounded: Report</a>

“The high priority now is to prevent the tense situation from escalating or even getting out of control. ... China calls for exercising utmost restraint and preventing a massive humanitarian crisis,” CNN quoted the statement as saying.

Meanwhile, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who is planning to meet Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi this week, warned China against providing any support to Russia to counter global sanctions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-can-plan-chemical-weapons-operations-behind-lies-about-biological-weapons-laboratories-nato-461865">Russia may use chemical weapons, says NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg</a>

"We are communicating directly, privately to Beijing that there will absolutely be consequences for large-scale sanctions evasion efforts or support to Russia to backfill them," Sullivan told CNN on Sunday.

"We will not allow that to go forward and allow there to be a lifeline to Russia from these economic sanctions from any country, anywhere in the world," he was quoted as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russia has sought military assistance from China in Ukraine, a US official has reportedly said. According to New York Times, the US officials have however not disclosed what type of weapon has been requested. The US newspaper, quoting the official, also claimed that Kremlin has asked China for economic assistance in the wake of sanctions imposed by the West. There are already reports of Russian banks tying up with the Chinese counterparts on the possibility of issuing “co-badged” cards powered by payment systems like Chinese state-owned UnionPay and Russia’s Mir for international payments, after Visa and Mastercard ceased operations in Russia. China has, however, refuted claims of Moscow seeking weapons. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the US, said in a statement, "I've never heard of that." Also read | US journalist shot dead in Ukraine, another wounded: Report “The high priority now is to prevent the tense situation from escalating or even getting out of control. ... China calls for exercising utmost restraint and preventing a massive humanitarian crisis,” CNN quoted the statement as saying. Meanwhile, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who is planning to meet Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi this week, warned China against providing any support to Russia to counter global sanctions. Also read | Russia may use chemical weapons, says NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg "We are communicating directly, privately to Beijing that there will absolutely be consequences for large-scale sanctions evasion efforts or support to Russia to backfill them," Sullivan told CNN on Sunday. "We will not allow that to go forward and allow there to be a lifeline to Russia from these economic sanctions from any country, anywhere in the world," he was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

US warns China against providing any support to Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict

Russia and China have begun to draw up ambitious plans for missions that would directly compete with those of the United States and its partners. In a joint collaboration, the Russian and Chinese space agencies plan to expedite much of their space missions together. They have teamed up for a robotic mission to an asteroid in 2024.

Russia, a former space superpower, turns to China for missions

The first vaccines against COVID-19 have gone mostly to wealthier countries. Now, several middle-income countries are getting their shots.

Middle income nations getting China, Russia COVID-19 vaccines