Xi, Putin, exchange New Year greetings, pledge stronger ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of the New Year, expressing readiness to deepen strategic cooperation between Beijing and Moscow in the coming year.

According to China Central Television (CCTV), Xi and Putin exchanged New Year’s greetings, and the Chinese leader affirmed his commitment to maintaining close communication with Putin and guiding China-Russia relations toward new achievements.

“I am ready to maintain close contact with President Putin and jointly guide China-Russia relations into the new era to achieve new results,” Xi said, as quoted by CCTV.

Xi commits to deeper bilateral ties
Xi’s message emphasized the continued strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two nations. He underscored the importance of joint leadership in enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing global challenges.

The statement reflects growing alignment between Moscow and Beijing on major international issues, particularly in response to mounting tensions with the West.

China and Russia celebrate shared WWII legacy
Xi noted that in 2025, China and Russia marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II, a commemoration that sent a “powerful signal” in support of peace and historical truth.

The shared remembrance highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations, forged through mutual sacrifice and cooperation during the war.

Multilateral support and global governance reform
The Chinese president further stressed the joint role of China and Russia within the United Nations and other multilateral organizations. He said both countries are working together to contribute to the reform and improvement of global governance through what he called “wisdom and strength.”

This reflects ongoing diplomatic alignment between Beijing and Moscow in forums such as the UN Security Council, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The Kremlin announced on Tuesday that President Putin had sent holiday messages to several other world leaders, including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The New Year exchange between Xi and Putin underscores their continued coordination on international affairs and shared resistance to Western influence.